Nerve-wracking NPL season finale expected

The remaining weeks of the Debmarine Namibia Premier Leagueare expected to dish up a thrilling and nerve-wracking finish to the 2023-2024 season.

Khomas Nampol FC, African Stars and Ongos FC have been in a three-horse race at the top of the table from the start, all taking turns at the top and still within striking distance.

A full ten points separate them from the rest, with Mighty Gunners, Blue Waters, Eeshoke Chula Chula and Okahandja United all on 29 points, in positions four to seven.

Mathematically, all these teams are still in sight of a finish at the summit, provided the three top teams drop points that could lead towards a dramatic twist of fortunes.

Analysts expressed excitement over the fact that it is not only one team running away with the league at this point of the season.

Isack Hamata describes the situation as “nerve-wracking” for those that are supporting the country’s top football clubs.

Hamata believes it is a fantastic situation for the neutral fans and football in general.

“I think it is good for supporters that it is not a run-away season, because none of the teams have run away with it up to now.

“We have the top three teams on 41, 40 and 39 points, with ten or more matches remaining for each team.

“I do not think that the eventual winners will win it by any comfortable stretch, but it could be decided by a margin of perhaps three points, or even just a point,” Hamata predicts.

It is for this reason he reckons this has the potential to turn out as one of the most exciting and historic ends of any season in recent history.

Khomas Nampol currently tops the table with 41 points, while African Stars are in second with 40 points after 19 matches they have played so far.

Ongos FC is in third place, with 39 points with a game in hand.

The other trailing teams have either played a game more or one less than the top two teams.

“It is difficult to predict who is going to win the league at the moment, because there have been mixed results between the top teams.

“There is a trend of teams picking up good points one weekend and then dropping points the next one.

“I however tend to think the competition will be between Khomas Nampol and African Stars at the end,” Hamata remarked.

He still feels that Ongos do have the legs and potential to pip either of the two leading teams at the post, despite letting one of their sharpest marksmen Kleopas (Desmond Bester) Useb go to Orapa United in the Botswana Premier League.

Formerly known as Tura Magic, Ongos has a history of finishing the season in strong fashion and this might count in their favour if the two top teams slip up.

He added that a league triumph for Khomas Nampol will be historic, as they would become the first club in Namibia to get promoted from the first division and win the premier league in the next season.

Former Citizens coach Bertus Bock also believes the season is poised for a dramatic end to it.

“I will not be surprised if Ongos comes through the backdoor and win the league.

“By the looks of things, any mistake from African Stars and Nampol, Ongos will capitalise and win it,” Bock said.

DEBMARINE NAMBIA PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS (Sunday)

Walvis Bay: Blue Waters 0-3 Ongos

Oshakati: Eeshoke Chula Chula 0-0 Khomas Nampol

Grootfontein: Okakarara Young Warriors 1-3 Tigers

Rundu: Julinho Sporting 1-2 Civics

Otjiwarongo: Mighty Gunners 0-1 Young Brazilians

Unam Stadium: Unam FC 2-0 African Stars

Okahandja: Okahandja United 3-1 Young African