Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows share the spoils

Premier League soccer finally returned in style with a flying (Eleven Arrows) and flowing (Blue Waters) start in Walvis Bay after Debmarine Namibia committed N$13 million towards the 2022/23 season.

The first soccer derby between the two coastal giants produced an intense, closely contested, and action-packed soccer match for football fans at the Jan Wilken Stadium on Saturday. The fiercely contested Debmarine Namibia Premier Soccer League match finished in a goalless (0-0) draw.

Backed by a vibrant and full capacity crowd, the "Beautiful Birds" under the mentorship of Lucky Shipanga, launched numerous attacks but could not get the ball past Arrows keeper Denzel Shafetango into the back of the net.

Eye-catching match

Arrows, with Paulus Shipanga at the helm, also pressed hard with well-orchestrated attacks. The Blue Waters keeper Calvin Spiegel was, however, alert and responded accordingly to deny Arrows from scoring. After an eventful first half, the score stayed level (0-0) and this was the case when the final whistle blew, leaving both teams having to settle for a point.

Both sides upped the pace in search of the winning goal during the second half, with neither managing to break the deadlock. Midfielder Rivaldo Festus put in a good shift, while defenders Johannes Natunga and Luciano Fisher complimented their goal minder Denzel at the back with solid displays.

Former Brave Warriors striker Hendrik Somaeb came close for Blue Waters, with midfielder Steven Damaseb and defender Arend Abubakir catching the eye with their performances for Blue Waters in the match.

Blue Waters captain Gregory Aukumeb said it was a good game. "We wanted the three points and did what the coach expected us to do. Our strikers still need to work on their shooting and improve their finishing. Our aim is to win the league."

Optimism

Aukumeb also expressed his joy about the return of football. "This is how we put bread on the table. Our team really carried us during this prolonged stretch of inactivity. We also need the supporters back at games."

The Eleven Arrows captain, Johannes Mutanga, said the game went well and that he is grateful that no one got injured. "We only had about three weeks of training. The objective was to come away with something from this match. I am happy with the result. We did not have enough time to train. From next week onwards, we are going to work on how we can better our performance in the next two games. We are aiming for a top-notch finish"

Mutanga said that the players wholeheartedly welcome the return of league action. "It means a lot to us, and we're all happy that the league is finally back."

Both coaches were also optimistic that the return of football will benefit the players and the crowd.

Progress

A total of eight goals were scored in the Debmarine Namibia Premiership as various teams challenged each other for points on the log.

The only match that failed to produce a goal was the game between Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows at the coast.

A tight game between the two local coastal rivals was expected, as both teams had preferred not to risk the match.

Life Fighters produced the most goals as they beat Black Africa 3-0 in Otjiwarongo.

A solid goal from Rundu-based Julinho Sporting was enough to secure three points against Young African in northern Namibia.

Okahandja United also salvaged three points with a 2-1 win over Mighty Gunners.

Karasburg giants Young Brazilians FC also began their campaign with three points after a 1-0 victory over Tura Magic.

More to follow

More coastal football action will follow on 19 November with Eleven Arrows set to compete against Citizen and Blue Waters against Civics at the Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay.

[email protected]