Gunners stay grounded at the top 

With five rounds gone in the Namibia Premier Football League, there has been a shake-up in the log standing as teams stake their early claims in the title race.

Mighty Gunners took over at the top of the log with two big victories two weeks ago, when they beat African Stars 2-1 and Khomas Nampol 4-0 at home.

They lead the log on 13 points, while Stars are three points behind in second place, along with KK Palace in third.

Okahandja United follow in fourth position on eight points, but there are eight teams within three points behind snapping at their heels.

Gunners coach Katti Nambadi says it’s too early to get carried away.

“Leading the log is always a privilege, but it’s not something we celebrate too early. For us, it’s a reminder of the hard work we’ve put in and the even harder work still ahead.

“I’m proud of the boys, proud of their consistency, and proud of the mentality they’ve shown. But we’re not fooled – the league isn’t won in November. We stay humble, we stay hungry, and we keep pushing,” he says.

“As for how far we can go this season, I believe this team has the quality and the character to compete all the way. We respect every team in the league, but we don’t fear anyone.

“If we continue with the same discipline, the same aggression, and the same team spirit, then we can fight for the top until the very last day. The target is to stay competitive, stay focused, and make Mighty Gunners proud,” he adds.

Nambadi says they face two tough encounters this weekend.

“Looking ahead, the matches against Chula Chula and KK Palace will not be easy. These are teams with energy, confidence, and ambition.

“Chula Chula especially plays with a lot of pace and intensity, and KK Palace have been collecting important points this season. We’re preparing with respect, but our mindset is the same: we go into every match to win.

“We focus on our structure, our transitions, and our mentality. If we execute our plans well, we can get positive results,” he adds.

“The message is simple – one match at a time, full commitment, and zero complacency.”

A ‘BAD WEEKEND’ FOR STARS

Stars’ supremacy took a big knock when they lost to Gunners and also drew to bottom of the log, Life Fighters, the next day.

Coach Bob Mafoso says it was a bad weekend.

“Mighty Gunners are a very physical side but we still created chances, but it was just not our day. And then to be held to a draw by Life Fighters just shows how bad a weekend it was for us, but we are working hard and need to recover,” he says.

“The league is definitely more difficult this season. It’s always difficult – to do it three years in a row was hard, and the other teams keep on improving, but we have the quality to come out of this situation,” he says, adding that several teams could win the title this season.

“Mighty Gunners have been in the top four over the past few seasons, and FC Ongos with their coaching changes show they want to improve. Unam have quality players and are in the mix, and you can’t rule out Young African.

“I’d say its about a six-horse race for the title this season,” he says.

Stars this weekend travel to the coast to take on Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows at Jan Wilken Stadium and Mafoso says it will be a big challenge.

“It’s always a challenge to play at the coast because of the weather that changes the whole time, so I just hope it’s a perfect day so that we can express ourselves.

“All the teams that play against us are always difficult because they double their efforts to beat us. We know we have quality players but we will need our A game this weekend,” he says.

Mafoso says he has a strong squad to select from.

“About 90% of the players are available, and we welcome back Wendell Rudath from injury, so we must go out to fight for maximum points,” he said.

Perennial title challengers FC Ongos, meanwhile, head into this weekend’s matches under a new coach, with the experienced Ronnie Kanalelo resigning from Bucks Buccaneers and replacing Agnus Elemu at Ongos.

Ongos are currently 10th on the log but they could shoot up if they gain maximum points at home against Rundu Chiefs and Julinho Athletic.

Buccaneers, who are seventh on the log, have not officially announced a new coach yet, but rumours are that former national coach Bobby Samaria could take over the hot seat.

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