Namibia Premier Football League leading goal scorer Petrus Stephanus has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season after suffering a leg fracture.
The 31-year-old FC Ongos striker, popularly known as Steven, who currently tops the league scoring chart with 12 goals, sustained the injury during FC Ongos’ 2-0 defeat to KK Palace FC on Sunday.
The incident occurred after a tackle from a KK Palace defender, leaving Stephanus with a tibia and fibula open fracture. Doctors ruled him out for the rest of the season with only four matches remaining.
Stephanus was transported to Katutura Intermediate Hospital, where he underwent a successful left tibial intramedullary nail and open reduction internal fixation operation on the same day. He is recovering.
Born and raised at Omaputu in the Ohangwena region, Stephanus began playing football at the age of seven for his village team, Danger Professional. He also represented both his primary and secondary school teams before later joining Hope Academy in Ohangwena.
The striker joined FC Ongos this season from Mighty Gunners and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important players. His 12 goals in 26 matches have placed him at the top of the league’s scoring chart, proving to be a valuable signing for the club.
At the beginning of the season, his target was to finish among the top three scorers after finishing sixth the previous season.
This season marks his best scoring campaign in the Namibian top flight. Prior to joining FC Ongos, Stephanus also played for Civics and Tigers.
After scoring four goals in the 2023/24 season during his debut campaign with Mighty Gunners, Stephanus improved significantly the following season.
In 2024/25, he reached double figures for the first time in his top-flight career, scoring 11 goals. His performances attracted interest from several clubs, including African Stars and FC Ongos, but he ultimately signed with the latter.
He immediately hit the ground running under coach Agnus Elemu, who was later replaced by Ronny Kanalelo.
Speaking after the incident, Stephanus expressed disappointment that the referee did not award a foul or issue a card for the challenge.
“The referee didn’t even give a penalty or at least a card after I was tackled, but I’m doing okay,” he said.
He revealed that the operation was successful and that his teammates have already visited him during his recovery.
Stephanus also confirmed that the KK Palace defender who injured him contacted him to check on his condition.
“The player who tackled me called me a few minutes after I arrived at the hospital while I was doing my X-ray to check how I was doing,” Stephanus added.
Stephanus’ injury is a major blow for FC Ongos, who are currently third on the log with 44 points, behind Eeshoke Chula Chula with 49 points and leaders African Stars FC with 50 points.
With only four matches remaining in the season, Stephanus leads the goal-scoring chart with 12 goals, followed closely by Mighty Gunners striker Muyeka Mashiku and Eleven Arrows striker Tjitjiheiue Kurija, who both have 11 goals. Khomas Nampol FC striker Ronaldo is also among the chasing pack with 11 goals and Michael Jonas with nine goals.
Despite the injury, Stephanus remains hopeful to returning on the pitch.
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