Hilma Nalupe

As the 2025/2026 Namibia Premier Football League season approaches, four clubs: FC Ongos, Khomas Nampol FC, Blue Waters FC and Julinho Sporting FC, took to the Independence Stadium in Windhoek over the weekend for pre-season friendlies to test their squads and fine-tune tactics.

The weekend action saw FC Ongos emerge as the strongest side, winning both their matches. 

Ongos opened with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Khomas Nampol and wrapped up their pre-season matches with a 2-1 win over Blue Waters. 

Ongos’ Nicodemus Haikali netted both goals in the latter match, while Pandeni Kandjabanga found the back of the net for Blue Waters. 

Khomas Nampol FC also enjoyed a mixed run.

 After a narrow loss to Ongos, they bounced back with a commanding 3-1 win over Julinho Sporting FC, courtesy of goals from Josias Haludilu, Ben Namib and Prince Apollus. 

Sazita Goraseb scored Julinho’s lone goal.  

Blue Waters managed a slim 1-0 victory over Julinho in their first match, rounding off a promising build-up to the new season.

Julinho Sporting FC’s assistant coach William Chilufya said the games were valuable for assessing new signings and younger players. 

“This was our first pre-season game that we took outside Rundu. We have new faces and young players coming from the first divisions, so it was good to check them out and see the way forward,” he said. 

Despite losing both matches, he remained optimistic, noting that the team will be stronger once injured players return. 

For Khomas Nampol FC, coach Fortune Eichab emphasised the importance of experimentation. 

“It was about checking possible formations and how players cope under different circumstances. We scored in both games, which shows that we can create chances, even though we also conceded,” said the coach. 

Blue Waters coach Armando Pedro highlighted the benefit of finally getting competitive minutes after uncertainty over the league’s start date. 

“These games boosted the fitness levels of the boys. It’s not about winning, but it’s a plus to win these games. This season, we want to do better than we did last season. That’s our target,” he said. 

Meanwhile, FC Ongos coach Agnus Chabala Elemu praised his players’ focus and spirit.

He said, “We just came here to test the fitness level of our players and get some game time. For us, it was not about results but rotating the squad and preparing for the next season. The commitment and team spirit were great, and we hope to carry that into the new season”.  -hilmanalupe@gmail.com