Ongos eye return to the top 

The Debmarine Namibia Premiership title race could go down to the wire with FC Ongos eyeing a return to the top of the log when they travel north this weekend. 

African Stars replaced Ongos at the top of the log on 9 March and have since built up a five-point lead over Ongos, who have dropped down to third position in the title race.

Ongos, however, have two games in hand on Stars and second-placed Khomas Nampol, and if they collect maximum points against Okakarara Young Warriors in Grootfontein tomorrow and Julinho Sporting at Rundu on Sunday, they will once again return to the top.

They, however, can expect two tough encounters as both their opponents are struggling in the relegation zone and will be fighting for survival.

Okakarara are second from bottom and Julinho third, and defeats for both teams, who also host mid-table Young African this weekend, will increase their relegation fears. 

Ongos coach Agnus Elemu acknowledged that they will be up against it. 

“We are playing two teams that are fighting to avoid relegation so it’s going to be very difficult and unpredictable. So we will have to be cautious – they will fight to the maximum and we will have to be ready for their onslaught,” he said yesterday.  

Elemu, however, added that they are aiming to win both matches. 

“Our aim is to get maximum points this weekend. We have prepared well and are looking forward to the boys to deliver the goods. It won’t be easy, but the boys are raring to go,” he said. 

“We only have two long term injuries to our centre back Okeri Maekopo and striker Makanya who got injured at the start of the second round, but the rest are fine,” he added. 

Ongos have developed into a fine unit this season, led by experienced former national players like Wangu Gome, Larry Horaeb and Junias Theophilus, and with some exciting upcoming players like Nicodemus Haikali, Stanley Ndjavera and Simon Elago, who made his national debut last year, they have become strong title contenders. Elago, Theophilus and Kleopas Useb are all among the league’s top scorers and will be hungry for more.

With only three rounds remaining after this weekend’s matches, the league could go down to the final round of the season when Ongos are scheduled to play Stars, but Elemu said they are not looking too far ahead.

“If we get maximum points we will go to the top of the log. We still need to play Stars, so that could be the decider, but we will take it one game at a time.”

The relegation battle is also heating up with Okakarara and Julinho in the thick of things. Both teams, however, have two games in hand on the other relegation battlers like Life Fighters, Orlando Pirates and even Civics, but they will need to pick up points this weekend if they hope to remain in the top flight. 

In other matches, Civics and Tigers host Mighty Gunners and Eeshoke Chula Chula in the capital. 

The action starts at 16h30 this afternoon when Tigers take on Gunners at the Unam Stadium, while Civics host Chula Chula at the same venue tomorrow. 

On Sunday, Tigers take on Chula Chula at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, while Civics face Gunners at the Unam Stadium, with both matches starting at 14h00.