SIXTH-placed Unam FC wish to conclude the 2024/25 football season with a win over Bucks Buccaneers by enlisting the services of key players on Saturday, says head coach Robert Nauseb.
The maroon-and-white outfit is seated sixth on 45 points, and a win over Buccaneers will put them on 48 points.
Reflecting on the team’s performance during the current season, Nauseb says they have not reached their initial objective.
“Our initial desire was to end the season in the top-three bracket, but now the focus is on finishing the league in the top-eight bracket.”
“We will honour our last game with the team’s A-list players,” he says.
“We did very well this season, but our plan was to improve on our position from last season. I didn’t meet our target, but I’m very happy with the team’s performance.”
As for his contract with Unam FC, Nauseb says: “About my contractual agreement with Unam FC, I am still the coach.”
Gobabis-based Young African FC finishes the league on a high, taking on log leaders and champions to be African Stars FC at Independence Stadium on Saturday.
Young African FC owner and head coach Marley Ngarizemo says: “It’s an important game as we want to conclude the league on a high note.
“Yes, we had a chance to win it, but we threw it away against the northern teams here in my home town Gobabis. So it was against FC Ongos the last-minute own goal and again against Mighty Gunners FC.
“But it was a good experience, the fact that this was not even on our menu though at the end it looked like we were the favourites.
“So, for now, our focus is to make sure we get the three points and finish on 56 points, just a point behind Stars,” he says.
Ngarizemo says next season will be crucial, and they want to make sure they keep all their players, in addition to three or four quality, experienced players.
“Then we can challenge the league from the start, but we’ll see how it goes as we still have the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup to participate in.
“So, our focus will be there for now.”
Buccaneers coach Ronnie Kanalelo says: “I don’t want to dwell too much on the team’s performance since I took over, as it’s a results-driven industry.
“All I can say is the team’s performance was impressive, considering the position it was in when I came in, with 15 games and 13 points, and then collecting 19 points in 10 games.
“Of course the team needs improvement on and off the field.”
On his contractual agreement, he says: “The agreement is in effect until the end of the season. The opportunity for renegotiation or engagement with local clubs is always open, but my ambition is to coach outside of Namibia, and that’s my priority at this moment.”
Kanalelo says he was approached on 22 April about his availability for a club in Zimbabwe.
“It was a tempting offer. I could have made a financial decision, but I opted to fulfil my agreement with Bucks and maintain our friendship outside of football.
“I have huge respect for the game, sponsors and the fans, so I treat all matches as important,” he says.
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.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
