Tit for tat in top three

The top three teams in the Debmarine Namibia Premiership remain as tightly contested as ever, as clubs enter the second leg of the campaign.



The question of which team will secure the league title this season remains uncertain, as inconsistency has become the norm in top-flight football.



Ongos FC currently holds a marginal lead at the top of the table, while Khomas Nampol and African Stars remain within touching distance of the leaders.



Ongos FC currently has 30 points, with Khomas Nampol and African Stars trailing just behind on 29 points. Young African FC sits fourth with 27 points.



Coaches are refusing to rest on their laurels, emphasising the importance of staying in the title race for as long as possible.



Khomas Nampol FC coach Fortune Eichab said his team would not become complacent, despite being in the top three.



“I don’t think there is a team that can confidently say they will win the league, because it’s very tight and no one is winning their matches consistently every weekend.



“The most important thing for us is that we can be proud of the fact that we’ve managed to stay in contention so far – that’s the task at hand.



“The team must ensure we remain close to the top teams while pushing for that top spot ourselves. Sometimes, it’s even better to maintain second or third place until the final stretch of the season,” Eichab said.



Young African FC, currently in fourth, are also just two points behind Khomas Nampol and African Stars, and remain confident of overtaking the teams above them.



The club suffered their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss to Bucks Buccaneers on Saturday but bounced back with a 1-0 win over UNAM FC on Sunday.



Coach Marley Ngarizemo is confident that his team has enough firepower to stay in the hunt for the league title.



“We didn’t have a perfect weekend, but we are still grateful to be in contention for the title, as we are just three points off the top.



“It’s not safe for anyone to say they can win the league because the results speak for themselves – the title is there for the taking.”



Ngarizemo said his team would remain focused on improving and maintaining their competitiveness before even thinking about lifting the trophy.



League’s leading goal-scorers:

1. Giovanni Kaninab – 9 goals (Tigers)

2. Jasper Maialeti – 6 goals (KK Palace)

3. Paulus Amutenya – 6 goals (UNAM)

4. Nguzu Salazar – 6 goals (Khomas Nampol)

5. Simon Elago – 5 goals (Ongos FC)

6. Mbakondja – 5 goals (African Stars)

7. Nikodemus Haikali – 5 goals (Ongos FC)