Maqonda Ndlovu
Blue Waters scored three quick-fire goals within the first 10 minutes of the 2023/24 season to win 3–1 against new boys Okakarara Young Warriors in a highly entertaining match at Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund on Saturday afternoon.
Gangling striker Erastus Kalula pounced on a great delivery by Steven Damaseb from the right wing to score at the near post within four minutes of the match.
Two minutes later, Lazarus Andjengo made it two-nil when he capitalised on a defensive mistake from the Okakarara goalkeeper and defender, and the returning winger Steven Damaseb made it 3-0 with a lovely finish in the 11th minute.
Okakarara’s inexperience was clear to see as they committed elementary mistakes,
with Waters punishing them. When the visitors settled in, they played some good football, finding each other well with short passes but constantly losing possession every time they tried going long.
In fact, while playing against the wind in the first half, Okakarara did themselves injustice by continuously playing into the hands of the experienced Pandeni Kandjambanga-led Waters throughout the first half. With the wind on their backs in the second half, Okakarara did show some flashes of brilliance but found Immanuel Immanuel in an uncompromising mood.
Abubak Arend and Gregory Aukumeb marshalled the Waters defence, but with pressure mounting, they conceded a goal late in the match. Waters coach Lucky Shipanga, said having played their opponents in the offseason, he knew they were a ball-playing team. “I studied them during preseason. We want goals and a victory, even though they came out at us in the second half. I managed to introduce new players who are not used to this kind of weather; they will learn how to play in windy weather,” he said.
Okakarara Young Warriors coach Emile Katjimune paid tribute to his players,
saying he was happy with the way they played in the second half.
“We will try to correct the mistakes that I saw. The wind did not make it easy for us, but we will work on that. Our goal is to try and remain in the elite league,” he said.
Meanwhile, in other matches played across the country on Saturday, defending champions African Stars started their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Orlando Pirates, while Young African lost 0-2 at home to FC Ongos (formerly Tura Magic).
Julihno Sporting and Life Fighters played out a goalless draw, while Unam overcame Okahandja United 1-0. Young Brazilians were beaten by new boys, Khomas Nampol 0-2 in Keetmanshoop.
The league heads back into a break for international fixtures and is scheduled to commence after two weeks.