Ongos, Nampol hot on the heels of Stars
Football
The top three teams are still separated by the narrow margin of only two points, with three matches remaining for each.
The Debmarine Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) season enters its most crucial period, with almost all teams now having played an equal number of matches. African Stars and Khomas Nampol FC had an off weekend, while the other title contenders Ongos FC played catch-up with their two games in hand.
However, Ongos failed to overtake Stars at the summit after only managing to add four points this weekend.
The Windhoek team beat Okakarara Young Warriors 2-1 on Saturday, before dropping two valuable points in a 1-1 draw against Julinho Sporting on Sunday.
As things stand, African Stars remain on top with 57 points, followed by Ongos on 56, while third-placed Khomas Nampol has 55.
Football analysts reckon it will be hard to predict the league winner at this point even if the current front-runner boast a superior goal difference at the top.
Former Tura Magic, Orlando Pirates and Citizens coach Bertus Bock believes things could still take more twists in the last three matches.
“The close and unpredictable nature of the league is a very good thing for Namibian football fans, because we have three teams competing for the title with just three matches remaining.
“As I said before, it can go either way and there is a potential twist to the log positions given the way things have been this far.
“I am glad that the teams are keeping everyone guessing. As a fan, that suspense is what makes football such a beautiful game,” Bock said.
An interesting aspect to many analysts is the looming prospect of a huge upset if newly promoted debutants Khomas Nampol could steal the title away from from the big two.
Khomas Nampol have consistently kept themselves in the race and are seated well behind the top two.
Stars and Ongos still have a match to play against each other, which could potentially work in the favour of the police club.
“I think this is one of the best seasons we have had in recent years and it looks like it is going to produce more drama at the end.
“The title race is very interesting and tight; you just can’t take your eyes off it at the moment.
“There is potential of an upset, while the champions also still remain a favourite,” seasoned journalist Hesron Kapanga said.
NOT ANOTHER RUNAWAY
African Stars last season won the league with matches to spare and their spectators have been confident throughout last season.
It has however been a different scenario as the Starlile faithful remain nervous heading into the last matches of the campaign.
Former sports presenter Rodman Katjaimo is well aware of the threats Stars would face approaching in their crucial last matches.
“To be honest, this was not what many of us had expected and we have to give credit to all the three teams that are in the running.
“Stars have work to do if they want to retain the title, because the challengers are hot on their heels.
“I think the next two matches left for each teams will be very crucial and will decide where the title is going to this season,” Katjaimo said.
RELEGATION ZONE
The relegation battle on its own merits attention, given the number of teams that still need a fight to remain in the top flight.
Mathematically there are around six teams that are not safe from relegation.
Young Brazilians (31 points), Civics (28), Okakarara Young Warriors (23), Julinho Sporting (22), Orlando Pirates (22) and Life Fighters (19) are all in danger.
Three teams will drop down to the first division at the end of the season. The next three matches for all these teams will determine their fate.
Young Brazilians could need one more win, or two draws, from their four remaining matches to guarantee themselves survival, while six points can safeguard Civics FC.
The rest of the teams in the fight can only be save if they win all their fixtures, while any one that drop points will almost surely be relegated.
Debmarine NPFL results, round 28 (Sunday)
Unam Stadium: Unam 2-0 Young Brazilians
Otjiwarongo: Life Fighters 0-4 Khomas Nampol
Whk Independence Stadium: African Stars 1-1 Blue Waters
Okahandja: Orlando Pirates 2-2 Okahandja United
Otjiwarongo: Okakarara Young Warriors 1-0 Young Africa
Rundu: Julinho Sporting 1-1 FC Ongos
Unam Stadium: Civics 0-0 Mighty Gunners
Whk Independence Stadium: Tigers 0-1 Eeshoke Chula Chula