Second round starts on sombre note 

The second round of the Namibia Premier Football League started on a sombre note over the weekend when players held a minute’s silence for Ongos FC goalkeeper Ikuaterua Mugendje (22) who died in a car accident.

The young goalie was involved in an accident between Tses and Keetmanshoop on 25 October, and had been in the intensive care unit before dying six days later.

Mugendje was a promising goalie, who started his career with Tura Magic before joining FC Ongos, while he also represented Namibia’s national u17 and u20 sides. FC Ongos coach Agnus Elemu said it was a big blow for the club.

“It’s very sad to lose the young boy at such a tender age. He was the back-up goalie to Jonas Mateus, who is also in the national squad, but he started our first match this season against Unam and did very well, so I think he could have had a great season.

“We had a lot of faith and trust in him and losing him is heartbreaking. Our condolences to his family and loved ones,” he said.

On the field of play, defending champions African Stars went to the top of the log after completing their second successive win against Julinho Athletic at Grootfontein on Saturday.

Mbakondja Tjahikika and Rikambura Muundjua scored their goals, which put them two points clear of the chasing pack at the top of the log on six points.

In other matches on Saturday, there were wins for Okahandja United and Eeshoke Chula Chula, while Khomas Nampol and Rundu Chiefs played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Windhoek.

Okahandja United beat Life Fighters 3-0 at home after a brace by Stoffel Witbeen and another goal by Chris Hapseb.

Eeshoke Chula Chula bounced back from their opening round defeat to KK Palace with a 2-0 win against Tigers at Oshakati.

Michael Jonas and Gustav Mutavani scored their goals, while Tigers suffered their second successive defeat of the season.

At Walvis Bay, Eleven Arrows were held to a 1-1 draw by Unam, with Carlos Goseb scoring for Arrows and Ronald Kauvi for Unam, while the rest of the second-round matches ended in goalless draws.

Bucs Buccaneers and Mighty Gunners drew 0-0 at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, Blue Waters drew 0-0 against FC Ongos at Kuisebmond Stadium, and Young African and KK Palace drew 0-0 at Oshakati’s Independence Stadium.

At Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, Rundu Chiefs made a great start to their Premier League campaign with a 3-3 draw against Khomas Nampol on Saturday.

Chiefs took an early lead when Benson Kalaba scored from a quick counterattack, but after coming close on several occasions Khomas Nampol equialised just before halftime when Denzil Umati pounced onto a defensive clearance to put the ball high into the net.

Rundu Chiefs, however, went 3-1 ahead after two goals in quick succession by Derl Goagoseb.

The former Black Africa striker rose high to send a thumping header into the back of the net 10 minutes after the break, and then midway through the second half once again scored in near identical fashion from another corner.

Khomas Nampol, however, showed great character getting back into contention, with Ngunzu Salazar scoring from a corner, while Okeri Ngurambuka made it 3-3 with a great freekick from the right wing into the left-hand corner.

Sunday’s results: 

Blue Waters 0-0 Unam, Eleven Arrows 0-2 FC Ongos, E Chula Chula 0-0 Young African, Okahandja United 0-2 Mighty Gunners, African Stars 2-1 Rundu Chiefs, KK Palace 1-0 Tigers, Khomas Nampol 1-0 Julinho Athletics, Bucs Buccaneers 2-1 Life Fighters

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