Paku appointed Flamingoes coach

The former Java-Java football club coach John Paku, has been appointed coach of the Namibia Premier League (NPL) outfit Flamingoes. The appointment of Paku, follows the departure of the team’s former coach, coach Bryan Van Staden. Van Staden, who was a midfielder for Civics, was sacked after the team was thrashed 6-1 by Unam in the league matches weeks ago. Paku told Namibian Sun this week that he was given a two-year contract. “This is a great opportunity for me to be with Flamingoes and I am the right person who can take the team from the relegation zone,” he assured. The Rehoboth-based team is sitting at the bottom of the log table, with only five points collected from five draws. Van Staden became the third coach to be fired after Civics also parted ways with Christy Guruseb as well as Blue Waters Gerald Guther. Flamingoes so far have not won any match in the elite league that they just joined this season from the southern stream first division. They have conceded 22 goals and scored six goals after 11 matches played. “I know that I can do my job and I will tell my players what to do and not to do until we stay at a good position,” Paku said, who has been with Java-Java since 2011. “It’s difficult to leave your former team to go to another club, but the experience is needed,” said Paku, expressing confidence that his former team will win the second division this season. Paku’s target The head coach said he must work hard this season and wants the team to be in the top eight of the league. “I have hope that the team will be in the top eight this season, while next season we will fight for the title,” he said. He said the team needs to garner more confidence and called on the team’s supporters to attend the league matches. LUKAS NAMBALA