After Eeshoke Chula Chula’s sensational debut in Windhoek last weekend, the Debmarine Namibia Premiership continues this weekend with more moderate turnouts expected when Blue Waters and Okahandja United take on Tigers and Civics in Windhoek.
Both teams are well-placed on the log, with Okahandja fifth on nine points and Blue Waters sixth on eight, although they are quite a few points behind the early pace setters – FC Ongos (16 points), Khomas Nampol (15) and African Stars (14 points).
They, however, have some matches in hand on the leaders and can close the gap considerably with some strong performances, and are aiming for maximum points this weekend, according to Blue Waters chairperson Robert Shimooshili.
“We have been preparing for our match against Tigers, it’s our traditional derby, and Civics have always given us tough battles in cup finals over the years. We had two weeks off since our draw against Stars and have prepared well, so we are ready,” he said.
“We are not in a comfortable position on the log, compared to some of the new teams who are now on top, so we are taking these games very seriously and aiming for maximum points,” he added.
“I’d like to call all Blue Waters fans, in Windhoek and Walvis Bay, and elsewhere, to come out in numbers and get behind the team, we won’t disappoint you, we will give you a football masterclass,” he said.
In their last two matches, Blue Waters dropped points at home in draws against Orlando Pirates (1-1) and African Stars, but they have proven to be strong on the road, beating Unam 2-1 in Windhoek on 1 October.
They, however, lost 2-1 away to Okahandja United, who have also beaten Pirates and Okakarara FC, but this will be the first time that Okahandja plays away from home and their credentials will be firmly tested.
Tigers, meanwhile, have had a moderate start and are lying seventh on seven points, after two wins, a draw and two defeats.
They suffered a blow when their captain Absalom Iimbondi joined Khomas Nampol, which was exacerbated when he scored twice in Nampol’s 2-1 win against his old club on the opening day of the season. Coach James Britz, however, recruited some other experienced players like Stanley Neumann, Quinton Kuruseb and Max Mbaeva, while they yesterday also announced the signing of Stars’ former national defender Emilio Martin, who was summarily dismissed by Stars on 6 October.
“Emilio Martin’s player’s contract with African Stars is terminated with immediate effect. The Okaserandu folklore will remember him fondly for last season’s achievements and wish him well in his playing career going forward,” Stars posted on their social media platforms.
Tigers, however, soon signed the experienced defender, who won 19 caps for the Brave Warriors over ten years, and at the age of 33 he will want to show that he still has what it takes.
“We are pleased to welcome Mari Boy to the Ingwe family,” Tigers posted on their social media platforms yesterday.
Civics, meanwhile, are struggling in 13th position on the log, with just one win and a draw from their opening five matches and coach Jerry Zimmer said they, too, are aiming for maximum points.
“I think these are two of our most important fixtures, that we will be playing this weekend. The position where we find ourselves on the log is not where we want to be, so for us to get out of that position is to go for maximum points over the weekend,” he said.
“We have prepared the boys accordingly and mentally they are ready. We are all excited and looking forward to this weekend’s matches,” he added.
“I’d like to invite all the Civilians supporters to come out in numbers to support the team. We want to bring back the old tradition of the Civilians, so supporters, please come and support your beloved team,” he said. Khomas Nampol, meanwhile, can replace FC Ongos at the top the log, but they face two tough away encounters against Okakarara Young Warriors at Grootfontein tomorrow and Julinho Sporting at Rundu on Sunday. Julinho Sporting will also host Young Brazilians at Rundu tomorrow.
