Benfica agree to play in playoffs

BENFICA have decided to play their first match in the NFA’s new promotion playoffs, but will challenge the football association if they are knocked out.

The Tsumeb-based side, which is facing possible relegation after being given a longer route to fight for a place in the premiership, will play their first match against KK Palace at the Oscar Norich Stadium in Tsumeb tonight. Kick-off is at 20h00.The side suffered a blow when the NFA executive committee decided on a new format for the playoffs after it lost an arbitration case brought by Life Fighters against the Namibia Premier League (NPL).Benfica vice president Onesmus Shilamba said yesterday that the club’s officials had decided to play in the playoffs, as they found themselves in a dilemma.”We have no choice but to play, because we have been intimidated and threatened by the NFA.Despite this, we will still keep in touch with our lawyers and in case we don’t make it to the premiership, we will fight the issue from the start,” he said.The promotion-relegation shambles was sparked by a cancelled match between Life Fighters and Tigers in Otjiwarongo.Match officials called off the game because Life Fighters did not arrange for enough security guards at the stadium.The NPL awarded the match points to Tigers.The points deficit led to Life Fighters being relegated, but they fought a long battle in the boardrooms and won the arbitration case, ensuring them entry into a new round of playoffs hastily scheduled by the NFA.The new format was not good news for Benfica, however, who now have to play at least ten matches to qualify for promotion to the NPL.Kick-off is at 20h00.The side suffered a blow when the NFA executive committee decided on a new format for the playoffs after it lost an arbitration case brought by Life Fighters against the Namibia Premier League (NPL).Benfica vice president Onesmus Shilamba said yesterday that the club’s officials had decided to play in the playoffs, as they found themselves in a dilemma.”We have no choice but to play, because we have been intimidated and threatened by the NFA.Despite this, we will still keep in touch with our lawyers and in case we don’t make it to the premiership, we will fight the issue from the start,” he said.The promotion-relegation shambles was sparked by a cancelled match between Life Fighters and Tigers in Otjiwarongo.Match officials called off the game because Life Fighters did not arrange for enough security guards at the stadium.The NPL awarded the match points to Tigers.The points deficit led to Life Fighters being relegated, but they fought a long battle in the boardrooms and won the arbitration case, ensuring them entry into a new round of playoffs hastily scheduled by the NFA.The new format was not good news for Benfica, however, who now have to play at least ten matches to qualify for promotion to the NPL.