Kennedy Malgas, head coach of Okahandja FC in the FNB Women’s Super League, has attributed his team’s poor performance in the current league season to a lack of experienced players. 

Okahandja FC currently sit at the bottom of the standings with just four points from nine matches played. The team has won only one match, lost seven times, scored 11 goals and conceded nearly 50, statistics which paint a grim picture of their season so far. 

Time is thus running out for them if they hope to avoid relegation in the 2024/25 league season. 

“About 90% of our players are schoolchildren aged between 15 and 17. These are players who have never played top-flight football before, and they have to face opponents who have been playing at this level for more than eight years. It’s tough right now, because these kids are still learning a lot about the league,” the gaffer stated. 

“At the moment, we only have about three players with significant experience in the league. It will take time and collective effort for us to rebuild and work our way back to the top.” 

With fewer than 12 matches left in the season, Malgas highlighted the importance of strengthening the squad. 

“The recent break due to the passing of the founding president has given us ample time to reassess and figure out how we can improve our chances of survival. I believe we need financial support to recruit new players and reinforce our squad. Although we find ourselves down there, I believe that we won’t get relegated at the end of the season,” he added. 

When asked how this situation affects the players’ morale and what he has done to keep them motivated, he was upbeat. 

“We make sure we take care of them, but most importantly, we talk to them about staying positive, despite the unpleasant results. I ensure that we walk together through the ups and downs.” 

Meanwhile, Okahandja FC team captain Greselda Howoses said she believes the inexperience of some players has cost them points in the league. However, she remains optimistic that with the support they are receiving, they can still avoid the dreaded chop. 

“I know we haven’t performed well this season due to various reasons, including having young players on the team. Despite that, I as a captain and leader will continue motivating the younger ones, making sure they understand that losing is part of the sport and winning takes time,” she noted. 

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na