Mariental Sport Club on rise

Southern Stream First Division side Mariental Sport Club are riding a wave of success in the league this season.

The team from the south have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far under the guidance of head coach Mervin Mbakera and assistant Jamunovandu Ngatjizeko, bouncing back strongly after last season’s failure to secure promotion.

Mbakera acknowledged that there is still work to be done but expressed satisfaction with his team’s performances to date.

Mariental recently defeated former Premier League side Young Brazilians 2-0 to cement their position at the top of the table.

“It is still early to celebrate, but I believe we are on the right path as a football team,” Mbakera said.

“The fact that we are on top of the table is positive, but we need to continue pushing for success.

“As a team, the aim is to gain promotion to top-flight football, and I believe we have the players and staff to achieve that.

“It is important that we remain consistent because there are still matches to be played.”

Mariental currently lead the standings with 38 points from 18 matches. They are also the only unbeaten side in the league, having won 10 matches and drawn eight.

Their defensive record has been particularly impressive, conceding just three goals all season, while scoring 28.

“The secret has been the players following instructions and maintaining strong team spirit,” Mbakera added.

“It also comes down to having the right mindset, which the players have shown so far.

“Being on top does not mean we have won the league. We must continue working hard to get there.”

Young Brazilians still in contention

Young Brazilians FC remain the closest challengers to the log leaders.

The Karasburg-based side are pushing for a return to the Premier League but face stiff competition from an in-form Mariental outfit.

They have won the same number of matches as the leaders but have suffered four defeats and dropped points on four occasions.

Young Brazilians have scored 24 goals and conceded 13, leaving them four points behind Mariental.

Despite the gap, they will still fancy their chances of salvaging the season.

Try Again in the mix

Try Again FC sit third on the log and remain in contention for promotion, although they will need the top two sides to drop points.

They have won nine of their 18 matches and lost four, drawing five. The team has scored 22 goals but conceded 20.

Pirates in relegation danger

Former Namibia Premier League giants Orlando Pirates FC are facing the real threat of relegation.

The historic club currently sits at the bottom of the table, having won only three of their 17 matches.

They have lost 11 games and drawn three, collecting just 14 points so far this season.

Another former top-flight side, Ramblers FC, are also in danger. They sit just two points above Pirates, with four wins, 11 losses and two draws from 17 matches.

Coastal outfit Blue Boys FC, also former Premier League participants, are not safe either. The Swakopmund-based team are just above the relegation zone, two points ahead of Ramblers, with four wins, four draws and 10 defeats.

With several matches still to be played, both the title race and relegation battle remain wide open.