Rough Monday for Namibians in PSL

Namibia’s footballers campaigning in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) did not have the best of times when the action resumed on Monday. While some are still struggling for game time, others ended on the losing side and others still are recovering from niggling injuries. The most celebrated of the current contingent, Henrico Botes of Platinum Stars, did not make it onto the pitch as his side was humbled 3-0 by Orlando Pirates. That result meant that Pirates were able to exact revenge on Stars after twice losing to the Rustenburg outfit in cup finals this season (MTN 8 and Telkom KO Cup). Botes has always been used sparingly under former coach Cavin Johnson and current Stars’ mentor Allan Freese, with the 33-year-old player regularly sitting out some matches despite not being injured. Victorious Soweto Giant Brave Warriors captain Ronald Ketjijere was also unlucky to see his team, University of Pretoria, lose 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs after an early goal by Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona propelled the Soweto Giants to victory. The midfielder proved to be the Namibian who played the most minutes during Monday’s games as he notched up his fifth full match since returning from an injury that kept him out for the majority of the year. Heini Isaacks of Maritzburg United was the player who had the second most action as he started the game against Bidvest Wits. But the midfielder was substituted in the 66th minute with the team eventually succumbing to a 3-1 loss. AmaZulu, which registered four Namibians for the season, bucked the losing trend but only one Brave Warriors player made it onto the field. Only Pineas Jacob made an appearance as AmaZulu won the Durban derby 3-0 against Golden Arrows; the Namibian entering the field of play on 88 minutes with the damage already done. Ketjijere will return to action tonight as University of Pretoria is set to play Orlando Pirates while Isaacks’ United will face Mamelodi Sundowns tomorrow.