Coaches happy with quality
With hard tackles, touchline frustration, a live broadcast and the scorching weather of the Sam Nujoma Stadium, the transitional Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) produced thrilling action.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
Coaches of teams in the transitional Namibia Premier Football League are happy with the level of commitment their players have displayed over the past two weeks.
It was the first time in the past two years that most of the players played competitive football.
Many of them were expected to struggle with game fitness following such a long time without playing the beautiful game.
Some players were fortunate to play in mini and reserve tournaments around the country, but it was not enough to bring them to a level they would want to be.
Black Africa and Tura Magic
Black Africa bounced back from a terrible first weekend to claim bragging rights in Katutura with a 3-1 win.
But the former Namibia Premier League champions had to dig deep to silence a youthful and talented Tura Magic.
“I was satisfied with the performance the boys gave against Tura Magic, who were making things difficult for us.
“Last weekend, the team lost two matches because they were still new to each other and most of them had not played a competitive match together.
“It was pleasing to watch them against Magic because they all showed signs of improvement.
“I am sure that we are going to try our utmost best to get all three points in our next matches,” Black Africa coach Brian Isaacs said.
Tura Magic, who came into the match with four points on the table, had hoped to continue their form into the match, but that was not to be.
“One will not be happy for losing but I am proud of the quality some of the players showed on the field today,” said coach Fortune Eichab.
“It was really not an easy match because Black Africa was playing well too.
“Some of the referee's decisions were also not that satisfactory but we move.
“Right now, it is just to go back to the drawing board and to see how we can improve on this performance,” Eichab said.
Tigers and Young African
The two teams played what was described as the best game of the day by many who attended the match.
The two set of teams played quality football coupled with tactical discipline.
Tigers coach Ali Akan, whose team was held 1-1 by Young African on Saturday, said he was satisfied with the level of commitment.
“It is still early but I am happy with the shift that most of these guys have put in over the past two weeks.
“I also see an improvement from the players compared to the last games they played in Mariental.
“What we have to do now is just work on them because I am sure that there are many talented lads that can actually develop into top footballers if we continue coaching them well,” Akan said.
Young African players also impressed their coach Marley Ngarizemo, who is adamant he will have a strong team going into the actual season at the beginning of August.
Ngarizemo added that he was pleased with the way the team kept fighting even after a goal down against the Windhoek-based side.
The 'Cattle Boys' played without an official striker following an injury.
“I am happy that we came away with a point because it was not an easy game of football.
“I am happy with how the two teams played tactical and entertaining football.
“Yes, the players are a bit rusty but I am sure that they will get there with time because they have already shown signs of improvement,” Ngarizemo said.
Mighty Gunners and
Eleven Arrows
The last match of the day saw Mighty Gunners of Otjiwarongo putting three past Eleven Arrows with no reply.
Gunners coach Gerhardt Hengari refused to be complacent and said he expected more from his players.
“We are not going to be complacent at all and I will not be carried away because of the victory.
“Yes, I am happy with how the boys performed today but I want them to keep improving,” Hengari said.
“I would also like to thank Namibia Media Holdings for the broadcast of today. “This is something remarkable and you guys are doing a great job,” Hengari added.
Eleven Arrows coach Ntsoetsa Moepa was a disappointed man following his team's defeat.
“I really do not have much to say at this moment because it is disappointing that we could not get anything out of this game.
“We will do analysis on the match later and will see how we can improve,” Moepa said.
Matches in Otjiwarongo
At Otjiwarongo, Civics beat Citizens FC 4-1, while Orlando Pirates continued their fine form by beating Julinho Sporting 2-1.
Young Brazilian and Blue Waters played to a 2-2 draw at the Mokati Stadium.
Weekend scorers
Civics
Gerland Kaengurora (1)
Aubrey Omseb (3)
Citizens
Abraham Shatimuene (1)
Orlando Pirates
Steven Gariseb (1)
Gustav Isaac (3)
Julinho Sporting
Blue Waters
Wilson Ngishiana (2)
Young Brazilian
Quinton Van Staden (1)
Wayne Esterhuizen (1)
Black Africa
Roger Katjiteo (1)
Wendel Rudath (1)
Stephanus Yahzer (1)
Tura Magic FC
Ngutjiua Karumendu (1)
Tigers FC
Johannes Jackson (1)
Young African
Elwed Katuoo (1)
Mighty Gunners
Fares Haidula (2)
Pineas Jacobs (1)
Coaches of teams in the transitional Namibia Premier Football League are happy with the level of commitment their players have displayed over the past two weeks.
It was the first time in the past two years that most of the players played competitive football.
Many of them were expected to struggle with game fitness following such a long time without playing the beautiful game.
Some players were fortunate to play in mini and reserve tournaments around the country, but it was not enough to bring them to a level they would want to be.
Black Africa and Tura Magic
Black Africa bounced back from a terrible first weekend to claim bragging rights in Katutura with a 3-1 win.
But the former Namibia Premier League champions had to dig deep to silence a youthful and talented Tura Magic.
“I was satisfied with the performance the boys gave against Tura Magic, who were making things difficult for us.
“Last weekend, the team lost two matches because they were still new to each other and most of them had not played a competitive match together.
“It was pleasing to watch them against Magic because they all showed signs of improvement.
“I am sure that we are going to try our utmost best to get all three points in our next matches,” Black Africa coach Brian Isaacs said.
Tura Magic, who came into the match with four points on the table, had hoped to continue their form into the match, but that was not to be.
“One will not be happy for losing but I am proud of the quality some of the players showed on the field today,” said coach Fortune Eichab.
“It was really not an easy match because Black Africa was playing well too.
“Some of the referee's decisions were also not that satisfactory but we move.
“Right now, it is just to go back to the drawing board and to see how we can improve on this performance,” Eichab said.
Tigers and Young African
The two teams played what was described as the best game of the day by many who attended the match.
The two set of teams played quality football coupled with tactical discipline.
Tigers coach Ali Akan, whose team was held 1-1 by Young African on Saturday, said he was satisfied with the level of commitment.
“It is still early but I am happy with the shift that most of these guys have put in over the past two weeks.
“I also see an improvement from the players compared to the last games they played in Mariental.
“What we have to do now is just work on them because I am sure that there are many talented lads that can actually develop into top footballers if we continue coaching them well,” Akan said.
Young African players also impressed their coach Marley Ngarizemo, who is adamant he will have a strong team going into the actual season at the beginning of August.
Ngarizemo added that he was pleased with the way the team kept fighting even after a goal down against the Windhoek-based side.
The 'Cattle Boys' played without an official striker following an injury.
“I am happy that we came away with a point because it was not an easy game of football.
“I am happy with how the two teams played tactical and entertaining football.
“Yes, the players are a bit rusty but I am sure that they will get there with time because they have already shown signs of improvement,” Ngarizemo said.
Mighty Gunners and
Eleven Arrows
The last match of the day saw Mighty Gunners of Otjiwarongo putting three past Eleven Arrows with no reply.
Gunners coach Gerhardt Hengari refused to be complacent and said he expected more from his players.
“We are not going to be complacent at all and I will not be carried away because of the victory.
“Yes, I am happy with how the boys performed today but I want them to keep improving,” Hengari said.
“I would also like to thank Namibia Media Holdings for the broadcast of today. “This is something remarkable and you guys are doing a great job,” Hengari added.
Eleven Arrows coach Ntsoetsa Moepa was a disappointed man following his team's defeat.
“I really do not have much to say at this moment because it is disappointing that we could not get anything out of this game.
“We will do analysis on the match later and will see how we can improve,” Moepa said.
Matches in Otjiwarongo
At Otjiwarongo, Civics beat Citizens FC 4-1, while Orlando Pirates continued their fine form by beating Julinho Sporting 2-1.
Young Brazilian and Blue Waters played to a 2-2 draw at the Mokati Stadium.
Weekend scorers
Civics
Gerland Kaengurora (1)
Aubrey Omseb (3)
Citizens
Abraham Shatimuene (1)
Orlando Pirates
Steven Gariseb (1)
Gustav Isaac (3)
Julinho Sporting
Blue Waters
Wilson Ngishiana (2)
Young Brazilian
Quinton Van Staden (1)
Wayne Esterhuizen (1)
Black Africa
Roger Katjiteo (1)
Wendel Rudath (1)
Stephanus Yahzer (1)
Tura Magic FC
Ngutjiua Karumendu (1)
Tigers FC
Johannes Jackson (1)
Young African
Elwed Katuoo (1)
Mighty Gunners
Fares Haidula (2)
Pineas Jacobs (1)
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