Young African responds to match chaos

Football
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
  • 1 Day Ago
Suspended Young African coach Maleagi Ngarizemo has been defended by his club following a recent argument with Woody Jacobs.

Young African FC has also defended its conduct against Okahandja United in a match that was abandoned after an altercation between both sets of players.

A video circulating on social media shows players from Young African and Okahandja United attempting to fight before police intervened.

It was also revealed that coach Ngarizemo was involved in a brawl with a match official.

The club, however, defended their actions on the day, stating that they are always a target when playing in Okahandja.

“Young African FC would like to address the unfortunate events that transpired in our recent match against Okahandja United in Okahandja, where we were faced with undue challenges on and off the field.

“The match, which began with the second half, with Okahandja United leading 1-0, was marred by a commotion sparked by our technical team’s concern regarding the treatment of an injured player on the field.

“The situation intensified and both teams’ benches became embroiled in a dispute,” read the club’s statement.



Lack of adequate security

Young African FC also cited the lack of adequate security as a reason why things often become cagey and get out of hand in the Garden Town.

“This being the third time, these matches have not been safe at all. There has always been a commotion between both sets of technical team members.”

The club added that similar incidents had occurred in Okahandja and Gobabis before the latest altercation.

Young African has promised to increase and improve its own security measures for the safety of players and fans.

“Our head coach [Ngarizemo], who is currently serving a suspension from a prior match, felt compelled to intervene in an attempt to restore order.



“While on the field, he faced verbal insults but chose to remain respectful, confronting Jacobs regarding the tactics being employed during the game, including the insufficient number of ball boys,” the statement further read.

Attempts to get comment from Okahandja United and the Namibia Football Association (NFA) proved unsuccessful before this paper went to print.