Photos: Hee-Dee Walenga
By: Hee-Dee Walenga
African Stars began their title defense with a 2-1 victory over UNAM FC at the Unam Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the Namport Namibia Premier Football League.
Namibia’s most decorated footballer, Awilo Stephanus, who has eight Namibian league titles to his name, scored both goals on either side of half time in a fiercely fought contest between the two sides.
“Scoring two goals [in a match] is something that I am used to. We are going for the record of winning 5 leagues in a row,” Stephanus told the media post match. Stephanus captained the side, with regular captain Ronald “Stigga” Ketjijere missing the match due to a personal matter.
The match saw Lyema Dopolo, the South African defender who signed to Stars from Ongos in the offseason, make his league debut for African Stars. “The match had high intensity. There was a lot of friction and back and forth between the teams. It feels great to play my first league game with Stars and get the three points,” Dopolo told The Villager.
“The Starlile faithful can expect us to fight to the end and win every game,” Dopolo added.
Vinomaandero Kandjou scored a header early in the second half for the Clever Boys to tie things up before Awilo tucked away a neat finish in the latter moments of the second half.
In his post match interview, UNAM’s coach, Robert Nauseb, said the match was a good test for his young team. “Most of the guys are young, they came from first and second division. It was a good game for them, they need to settle in quickly,” Nauseb said in his post match interview.
Nauseb emphasised that his team needs to learn how to break the lines and set a top 4 finish as their goal for the season.
Other results
Nikodemus Haikali’s penalty proved to be enough for FC Ongos to beat Young Brazilians.
Chula Chula’s campaign began with a 2-0 loss to Mighty Gunners. Barnard Horaseb and former Chula Chula striker Marselinu Ronaldo were on the scoresheet for the Otjiwarongo side.
Millennium Julinho kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 victory over fellow Kavango area mates KK United FC. Johani Satiza scored the game’s only goal.
Newly promoted Onambula United suffered a 1-0 loss against KK United. George Antonya scored the only goal of the match.
In the battle of the coast, Blue Waters beat Eleven Arrows 2-1 thanks to a brace from Sabinus Lunyango.
Bucks Buccaneers end the opening weekend of the league at the top of the table after thrashing Khomas Nampol 6-1, whilst Tigers and Okahandja United played to a 0-0 draw.
