Six points from their remaining three matches are all that stand between African Stars and a third consecutive Debmarine Namibia Premiership crown.
The champions secured maximum points over the weekend to build up a four-point buffer over second-placed Young African, who are on 49 points accrued from 27 matches.
Stars beat Ongos and Tigers 2-0 each to continue their march towards securing another league and cup double, with the MTC Maris Cup already in their bulging trophy cabinet.
Khomas Nampol and Mighty Gunners in third and fourth positions on 46 points apiece are the only other clubs still in with a mathematical shout of usurping the leaders.
However, Nampol and Gunners will need Stars to fail to pick up points in their remaining fixtures while winning their last three each for that to happen.
The Gunners are one of Stars opponents this weekend, with mid-table Okahandja United the other.
Stars captain Ronald Ketjijere, who has been an integral part of the last six title triumphs, says retaining the title will require single-minded focus.
“It’s getting tight at the top, so we can not afford any slip-ups. We came out knowing what we wanted, which is three points today [Sunday],” Ketjirere said following the 2-0 win over Stars courtesy of strikes from Wily Stephanus and the league’s top scorer Mbakondja Tjahikika.“Tigers is one of our hoodoo teams, we’ve struggled to beat Tigers over the years. Today we came with a different mentality.”
A similar shift against Okahandja United and Mighty Gunners will guarantee the title. However, Ketjijere cautioned against getting ahead of themselves.
“It’s one game at a time, we have to focus on Okahandja United. We need to get the maximum points against them,” the ex-Brave Warriors skipper said.
“We know its not going to be easy as each team is now fighting for their own objectives, some want to be top eight and others want to be out of relegation. We want to win the league and we must keep our eye on the ball.”
Stars head coach Bob Mafoso expects his charges to rise to the occasion and get over the finish line.
“We always try to ignore what other teams are doing. We just want to focus on what we want to do,” Mafoso says.
“We’re happy that we’re going into the final two weekends in control of the situation. We’re not chasing, it’s in our hands.”
Meanwhile, Blue Boys became the latest club to be relegated from the topflight following another abysmal showing over the weekend.
They lost 3-0 to Khomas Nampol on Saturday before going down 2-1 to Young Brazilians, who are next on the chopping block unless they can overhaul 13th place Julinho Athletic.
The Brazilians are on 21 points, seven fewer than Julinho, who need only two more points to remain in the top division.
Cuca Tops, who were relegated just over a week ago, held KK Palace goalless on Sunday after losing 1-0 at home to Eeshoke Chula Chula the day before.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
