Pirates ‘facing a daunting task’

TOUGH TIMES … Mark Adams in action for Pirates against Civics. Photo: Helge Schütz

Orlando Pirates Football Club are desperately looking to reinforce the team in all departments in a bid to avoid relegation from the Debmarine Namibia Premiership.

One of the country’s most recognisable brands, the Sea Robbers, have had a calamitous first half of the season and now languish at the bottom of the standings.

Caretaker head coach Costa Khaiseb is under no illusions about the daunting task that the illustrious club faces when the premiership resumes this year.

Pirates are keen to avoid the same fate as Black Africa, their bitter rivals, who have dropped down to the Southern Stream First Division and are now in disarray on and off the pitch.

“We have to turn the fortunes of the club around and as you know Orlando Pirates Football Club is a brand and an important club in the history of our domestic football,” Khaiseb said in a recent interview with Desert Radio.

The Buccaneers have amassed a mere eight points after 15 matches played, a poor run that saw the team’s former head coach Ali Akan resigning.

Khaiseb said they would work hard at identifying key and quality players to sign during the transfer window early this year.

He is optimistic that with the team’s management and supporters, they can accomplish what seems like an impossible mission.

“The Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast is a blessing in disguise for many teams, but more importantly for Orlando Pirates Football Club. We will certainly have enough time to put measures in place to eventually improve our performance during the second leg,” said Khaiseb.

FLOUNDERING PROJECT

Similarly, Life Fighters FC are experiencing a nightmare season, as they are currently second last on the log with just 11 points on the board.

The club’s director of marketing and communication, Terry Ujamba, admitted that the way the season unfolded was not what the ‘Purple Project’ had hoped for.

They ended the first half of their premiership campaign with a win against Okakarara Young Warriors, followed by defeat in a dismal showing against Unam FC.

“There is an urgent need to improve and there is no denying that we have to work on our offence and create opportunities that can work in our favour,” Ujamba said.

“We are not getting the needed rhythm to impose ourselves on our opponents, but we will work on our weaknesses so that come the second leg, we will be a force to be reckoned with,” he added.

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