Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) showcased their resilience recently as they secured a hard-fought victory against Windhoek Gymnasium (WHK GYM) with a final score of 3-1 in their second match of the season at the Jan Mohr football field.
The U/17 encounter was marked by intense physicality, with both teams demonstrating their determination to dominate the field.
Despite some contentious plays that went unpunished, the match provided spectators with a thrilling display of football.
Coach Gilbert Mogane from WHK GYM was, however, not happy with the officials stating that they did not control the game as a lot of fouls were committed from both sides.
“Cards were supposed to be given, but the officials decided to do it in their own way. If we are not going to be fair, it will bring problems. Yes, the players will make mistakes and we accept the loss but there were times where players were being pulled outside and inside the box,” Mogane said.
“It’s football, it has emotions, but I think we need to look at the small things. We are vocal on the sidelines, but if things are done right, we can sit down on the bench. But for now, if we don’t say anything, we will continue to see it going one way,” he further stressed.
Despite expressing dissatisfaction with the officials, Mogane was happy with the players’ performance.
“Despite the loss, they played well. They continue to grow; the only problem is that we have to work on some mistakes like the high balls which are actually hurting us a lot.
“We need to get them as far away as possible from the box. In addition, our overall play is good for players who have been put together quickly. For a second game, I think it’s a good improvement because we started very late with our pre-season because we had athletics,” said Mogane.
The winning assistant coach from SKW Gerson Tjizetjike said their opponents were not up to standard.
“That’s why the game was out of control but that’s not my space to speak. Let’s just congratulate the winning team and look forward to the third game of the season.
“Going forward, it’s football and this was our second game. We need at least four games to be at our best. With time, we are going to pitch up and be competitive in terms of play,” he ended.
Elsewhere
Deutscher Turn und Sportverein (DTS) asserted their dominance in the U/17 league with an impressive 5-0 victory over Athletic Club Football Academy (ACFA) in a highly anticipated clash.
From the opening whistle, DTS demonstrated their intent, coming out “guns blazing” to overwhelm their opponents. The relentless attacking prowess of DTS proved too much for ACFA to handle, resulting in a win for the formidable team.
Despite the challenging nature of the match, coach Ricky Averia of ACFA acknowledged the tough opposition posed by DTS. “The boys must learn that it’s not easy out there. We have our moments but in football it’s not about moments, it’s about consistency. We still have a long way to go in the season, our objective is to see if we can get into the top four and give it a go from there,” said Averia.
Coach Mabasa Kufahakutizwi from DTS felt his side played well as they were more composed and relaxed.
“They executed and got us the three points which we wanted and move on to the next match,” he said.
Kufahakutizwi feels the boys have the depth even though they have a young squad for the new season.
“My boys must learn fast because the games are going to come in thick and fast. As we go, the teams are going to become stronger, so we must toughen up,” he concluded.
DTS’s dominant performance serves as a statement of their strength and determination in the U/17 league, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
The season is still in its early stages, but the U/17 group promises to be fiercely competitive, with teams vying for dominance and supremacy on the field.
-slunyangwe@nepc.com.na