Otniel Hembapu

After almost over four years of inactivity, local football finally returned on Saturday and judging from the overwhelming fanfare, the brimming business activities by the local vendors and the overall display unity by all those in attendance, it was like football actually never left. 

The 2022/23 football season officially got underway on Saturday at the Hage Geingob Stadium and saw Katutura giants African Stars lifting the curtain to the Debmarine Namibia Premiership inaugural season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a stubborn Unam FC. 

As expected, the rustiness was visible on the players and recurring fatigue could also be seen in the overall flow of the game, but that was just a small fraction of the great courage, determination and commitment shown by the players, coaches and fans to finally get the ball rolling again. 

And indeed, the ball got rolling again and the jubilation could be seen in all corners of the stadium. Koko Katjimune was the hero on the day as his solitary strike from the spot kick propelled Stars to a 1-0 win over the Ronnie Kanalelo-mentored Unam FC.

In the post-match interview, Stars veteran skipper Stigga Ketjijere applauded the fans and all football stakeholders for ensuring the smooth delivery of the Debmarine Namibia Premiership, saying it was visible from the excitement of the fans that they really missed football. 

Unam captain Tuli Nashixwa also expressed delight with the return of football, saying that despite starting off the new season on a losing note, the bigger objective was to witness the return of local football activities and that mission was finally achieved. 

“We are all excited to see the fans filling up the venue and coming out in large numbers to come support us. This is what football needs and they should continue coming to matches that we create that excitement. We enjoyed ourselves on the pitch today and after such a long time, you could see that both teams were happy to be playing football again,” said Nashixwa.

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na