• Sport

Coaches reshuffle during time to regroup

• 3 Days Ago

Ongos FC looks set to benefit from a reshuffle in the ranks of Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) coaches, as news broke yesterday that they have parted ways with their coach, Agnus Elemu.

It was confirmed shortly afterwards that Ronnie Kanalelo would be departing from Bucks Buccaneers, with the much-travelled former goalkeeper cum coach moving on to join Ongos FC.

Ongos FC announced yesterday on their social media platforms that they have reached a mutual agreement to part ways with their coach.

The statement did not provide substantive reasons for the decision, but club sources have alleged that the management has not been happy with the recent results.

Ongos FC’s ambitions have been to dethrone African Stars this season, but these plans have so far not remained on course, as they are currently placed tenth on the log standings (six points).

Kanalelo – who leaves Bucks Buccaneers in seventh position (seven points) – yesterday told Sport Wrap in response: “I think it is a better move to a better club, with proper structures.

“Ongos have approached me before, and I turned their offer down, but this time I decided to make a decision I felt was right.

“Ongos is a club with a professional vision, and that is where I would like to be.”

Elemu’s credit for steering Ongos to the third-place finish in the 2024-2025 season (behind African Stars and Khomas Nampol) seems to have run out. Ongos finished the previous season in second position, in their best finish yet.



Regroup

The international football break might be a drawback on the momentum of some football clubs who were doing well, while for others it serves as a time to reflect and regroup.

Mighty Gunners (13 points) go into the break topping the NPFL log standings, while African Stars (10) are in second place and KK Palace (10), somewhat surprisingly, in third.

Some of these frontrunners, such as Mighty Gunners, would likely have preferred to continue playing and keeping the momentum.

For strugglers like Life Fighters, Julinho Athletics, Tigers and Rundu Chiefs, who are yet to record a single victory between them this season, the break is said to have come as a blessing in disguise.

Tigers FC chairman Nelson “Dicky” Akwenye confirmed to Sport Wrap that the break has come at a favourable time for one of the League’s oldest football clubs.

Akwenye remains optimistic that the club coached by veteran gaffer Brian Isaacs will pick up steam after regrouping during the break.

“We are aware it has been a slow start for us after four matches, but this was something expected given that we were not really ready due to the short period of time we were given to prepare.

“The international break does come as a blessing in disguise and I am sure the team will use this time wisely to regroup and play much better,” Akwenye said.

The chairman outlined more factors contributing to the slow start, suggesting that the institutional “big” clubs and those that participated in CAF competitions came prepared.

“If you look at the likes of Mighty Gunners and Khomas Nampol, you can tell that these teams prepared ahead of time due to their financial muscles.

“Other clubs that were fortunate are African Stars and Young African, who also competed at CAF level before the league started.”

Julinho Athletic (14th) and Tigers (15th) find themselves in unfamiliar territory, without a single win from the four matches they have played.

Perennial strugglers Life Fighters, who are also yet to register a victory this season, are again in a worrying position despite managing a surprise 0-0 draw against African Stars last Sunday.

Life Fighters and Julinho FC’s leadership also indicated that the break will give them time to regroup, while a change in coaching personnel could be on the horizon for the Otjiwarongo-based club.

“I believe Life Fighters are planning to appoint a new coach and this announcement will be made soon.

“From what I understand, the football club already identified someone and they will just have to complete the paperwork,” a club source said.



Mid-table

Unam, Eeshoke Chula Chula, Bucks Buccaneers, Eleven Arrows and Khomas Nampol all trail closely behind Okahandja United with seven points apiece.

FC Ongos and Young African occupy 10th and 11th place respectively, while Blue Waters and Rundu Chiefs sit 12th and 13th.

All the football clubs in the middle of the table have also expressed their desire to work on regrouping and improving for the remainder of the year.



League top scorers

4 – Munyeka Mashiku (Mighty Gunners).

3 – Michael Bwebwe Jonas (Chula Chula)

3 – Derl Goagoseb (Rundu Chiefs)

3 – Mbakondja Tjahikika (African Stars)