Chula Chula shoot themselves in foot 

Eeshoke Chula Chula have forfeited three points for fielding an ineligible player against Julinho Athletics, damaging their title hopes and handing African Stars a lead.

The Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) title contender’s technical team must squarely shoulder the blame for fielding the player, says football analyst Hector Mawonga.

NPFL administrator Mabos Vries, in a letter dated 24 February addressed to Chula Chula chairperson Tamhila Ambrosius, says: “It has been established that your club, Chula Chula FC, fielded a player, Esenge Yanzambe, who was ineligible to participate due to the accumulation of three consecutive yellow cards.”

The letter further reads: “Against this background, we hereby formally notify your club that Chula Chula FC forfeits the result of the said match.”

According to the letter, Julinho Athletics FC has been awarded three points, putting them firmly in 10th position on 23 points, while Chula Chula FC, who were second on the log standings with 41 points, now have their points deducted to 38 points – three points behind log leaders African Stars SC.

Reflecting on the Namibia Football Association’s pronouncement, Mawonga says: “It was a surprise that somebody would blatantly disregard laws, and when it comes down to it, it’s actually the fault of Chula Chula FC’s management.”

“According to a report, the NFA informed Chula Chula FC that the player was ineligible to play, but they still fielded the player against Julinho Athletics FC.

“It’s a blatant disregard for the laws of the game, so at the end of the day, there is no one to blame but themselves.

“For having shot themselves in the foot, the result has been the reduction in points.”

Mawonga says defending champions African Stars now have breathing room when it comes to the league title and the challenge for it.

“Stars’ technical committee can now seize the opportunity. As the saying goes, ‘one man’s poison is another man’s meat,’” he says.

The veteran football analyst, however, acknowledges that it is a league challenge and everybody wants to win.

“You get a breather like this where everybody is now three points behind you, and instead of being level on points, you definitely want to use that to your advantage in winning.”

Despite the points deduction, Mawonga calls on Chula Chula FC to keep winning and continue exerting pressure on African Stars SC.

“When Stars drop points and Chula Chula get points, obviously the gap will narrow again.”

Mighty Gunners, seated third, is another club within striking range, and so is FC Ongos, who are nine points behind the log leaders.

“If they keep winning and avoiding too many draws, FC Ongos can also be counted in the title challenge,” Mawonga says.

The football analyst says there are 10 matches left with points needed by all and sundry.

“It’s no longer a marathon, but a sprint to the finish line.”

He says the teams dodging points must be wary of those chasing them.

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.