Iimbondi among NPL’s top net busters

Tigers’ midfielder Absalom Iimbondi has quietly gone about the business of carving out a reputation as one of the finer footballers in Namibia. Some four years ago, former Brave Warriors defender, Mohammed Ouseb had tipped the then Oshakati City player as one to watch. Namibian Sun then also made the then 20 year-old its Powerade Sports Personality of the Week winner of a competition that ran during 2011. Now the player is finally showing signs that his billing was justified with the player now amongst the top goal scorers in the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL). Despite playing in midfield, the scrawny Iimbondi has scored eight goals this season to be among the top ten net busters in the league. While that amount six goals behind NPL top scorer, Nicky Musambani of Orlando Pirates, it is a testament to the player’s all round ability that he is among the successful scorers. Boasting an educated right foot, Iimbondi is regularly at the heart of Tigers’ attacks. Along with the experienced Letu Shatimuene, Zimbabwean playmaker Protash Kabwe and the hardworking Simon Shikokola, Iimbondi is able to lead Tigers’ push for honours this season. The team is in second place on the NPL log standing while it has also reached the Bidvest Namibia Cup quarter-finals after seeing off the challenge of Julinho Sporting in the previous round. Tigers’ success would therefore hinge on whether Iimbondi can keep producing goal scoring performances. Meanwhile, the scoring charts reveal an interesting tale of different goal scorers in the top ten. Despite struggling with relegation, Rebels’ Obry Amseb also has eight goals and is joined on that number by Tura Magic pair of Itamunua Keimuine and Peter Shalulile. Blue Waters’ Nigerian striker Dominic Edom and Eleven Arrows’ youngster, Mapenzi Muwanei are on nine goals. Former NPL top scorer, Harold Ochurub of Mighty Gunners, is on 10 goals; part of a foursome which includes, Civics’ Sadney Urikhob, Tura Magic’s Theophilus Junias and United Stars’ Alfeus Ngwezi. Musambani is four clear of his nearest rivals out on 14 goals. Interestingly, despite scoring the most goals in the NPL this season, African Stars has no players in the top ten. Their highest scorer is Joslin Kamatuka, who has registered seven goals thus far. Defending NPL champions, Black Africa is also not featuring prominently with their highest scorer being Roger Katjiteo. The NPL is only expected to get back into action in April with this weekend (March27-29) earmarked for cup football. WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA