Ochurub proud of Life Fighters
Football
A relieved Life Fighters coach George Ochurub said he was proud of the players following their win over Tigers FC.
Life Fighters FC gave themselves a fighting chance towards survival in the Debmarine Namibia Premiership after an emphatic 3-0 victory over Tigers FC at the Independence Stadium on Saturday. The Otjiwarongo club however still remains in danger of relegation despite producing possibly their best performance of the season so far.
Coach George Ochurub believes the victory could be a turning point in the team’s fight against relegation.
“Today the players produced a great performance and I am happy as a coach.
“Yes, we are still not out of danger and we know that the next few weeks will be crucial as far as survival is concerned.
“The points we have collected has at least given us that fighting chance,” Ochurub said.
Max Kandundu converted from the penalty spot just a minute before the 45-minute mark to give the Otjiwarongo based club the lead.
Tigers FC looked but a shadow of the formerly powerful club, with their backline in tatters for much of the first half.
In the second half, Life Fighters kept bodies behind the ball, while playing on the counter as Tigers FC pushed men forward.
This resulted in Tigers FC scoring their second goal through Abner Seke Tsuseb.
Life Fighters seemed to be cruising to a victory but most of their fans still had nervy look to them despite their two goal cushion in the match.
Substitute Vasana Muatjindu however made sure that the points belonged to Life Fighters by scoring in the final minutes.
It was not a good Saturday for Tigers FC coach Mervin Mbakera, who has found the going tough at his new club since joining from African Stars.
“It was a very terrible result for a club as big as this and the club does not deserve this.
“All of us who are involved need to take responsibility and make sure that we improve on this performance going forward,” Mbakera said.
African Stars in the lead
In other matches played on Saturday, Junior Petrus, Isaskar Gurirab and Steven Damaseb were all on the scoresheet when Blue Waters FC beat Young Brazilians 3-1 in Walvis Bay.
Willy Stephanus, Uetuuru Kambato and Deon Tjizumaue boosted African Stars’ title aspirations with a 3-0 victory over struggling Julinho Sporting FC in their clash at Okahandja.
Eeshoke Chula Chula and Young African FC played to a 0-0 draw in Gobabis.
Khomas Nampol FC also shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw at Okahandja United’s home, while Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Okakarara Young Warriors.
Civics FC earned three points with a 2-0 win over Unam FC in a late Saturday kick off.
On Friday, Ongos FC title aspirations took a slight setback when Mighty Gunners surprised them by a solitary goal at the Independence Stadium. This result allowed African Stars to overtake them as log leaders by two points on Saturday, with the Sunday fixtures to come.