Maqonda Ndlovu
The Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) has postponed four matches for the upcoming rounds, two and three of the 2023 Debmarine NPFL season due to a shortage of stadiums in the country.
This was confirmed to this publication by the league director, Mabos Vries, yesterday, who said four matches have been affected due to the unavailability of stadiums.
“Stadiums in Rundu and Otjiwarongo will not be available to us this weekend, as they are booked for other events. We tried moving some matches to Oshakati without any success,” Vries said.
The matches affected are Julinho Sporting FC vs. Eshoke Chula Chula, which was set to be played on Saturday 30 September in Rundu.
Also affected is the match between Orlando Pirates and Young African, which was scheduled for Windhoek on Sunday 1 October.
Rundu-based Julinho Sporting also saw their Sunday fixture against Mighty Gunners postponed, while Life Fighters vs. Eeshoke Chula Chula was also moved.
All these matches were postponed indefinitely.
Sources within the NPFL have, however, downplayed these postponements, saying they have made provisions for matches to be played at a later date, which was set aside by the league.
There are various events taking place in these stadiums, ranging from the governors’ cups to weddings.
Meanwhile, teams that are not affected by a lack of facilities will resume rounds two and three this weekend, with Tigers clashing against the Khomas Nampol SKW Stadium tomorrow evening (19h00).
On Friday, Orlando Pirates will play the newly baptised Ongos at the SKW Stadium, while Life Fighters and Mighty Gunners play the local derby at Mokati Stadium.
Both matches will kick off at 19h00.
On Saturday, 30 September, Unam will play Okakarara Young Warriors at the Unam Stadium, while Civics face Young Brazilians at the SKW Stadium.
In the Garden Town, newly branded Okahandja United face coastal giants Blue Waters at Nau-aib Stadium, with defending champions African Stars welcoming cattle country boys Young African at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium.
All these matches will kick off at 16h00.
On Sunday, Tigers and Young Brazilians meet at SKW Stadium at 14h00, while across town, Unam faces Waters at the Unam Stadium.
The Nau-aib Stadium will host Okahandja United against the new boys, Okakarara Young Warriors, at 15h00.
Stars will test Ongos at Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium at 16h00, while Civics play Khomas Nampol at the SKW Stadium at 17h00 to complete rounds two and three of the new season, following a one-week international weekend break.