SKW latest from the Namibian Press

SKW schießt sich zum Rekordsieg AZ - online vom 23.11.2009

Premierliga: United Stars erleben Torreigen in Olympia – African Stars übernehmen Tabellenführung

Der Sport-Klub Windhoek (SKW) hat mit einem imponierenden 9:3-Sieg gegen die United Stars einen Rekordsieg in der namibischen Fußball-Premierliga eingefahren, während Meister African Stars die Mannschaft von Orlando Pirates von der Tabellenspitze stürzte.

Windhoek – Nach einem 3:1-Halbzeitstand liefen die Teams vom SKW und von United Stars, vom darauffolgenden Torspektakel noch nichts ahnend, am Samstagnachmittag im SKW-Stadion in Olympia zum zweiten Durchgang auf. Die grün-weiße Truppe schien es sich kurz nach dem Wiederanpfiff schon wieder verspielt zu haben, als die Gäste aus Rundu mit zwei Toren in wenigen Minuten zum Ausgleich trafen. Doch eine überlegenere SKW-Mannschaft hatte noch ausreichend Feuerkraft im Arsenal. Was den United Stars in der zweiten Hälfte als eine Wiederauferstehung schien, verwandelte sich nach dem Ausgleich in ein „Massaker“. Die Mannschaft aus Olympia ließ keinen Zweifel daran, dass sie nach der 0:4-Klatsche gegen die African Stars am vergangenen Spieltag wieder einen Sieg ergattern wollte. Mit sechs weiteren Treffern in der zweiten Halbzeit demonstrierte dies der SKW auf spektakuläre Art und schrieb sich mit dem 9:3-Endstand einen Rekordsieg in der Premierliga zu. Spieler des Tages war SKW-Stürmer Milton Chapo, der mit vier Treffern aus dieser Partie nun die Torschützenliste anführt. Der amtierende Meister African Stars setze seine Siegesserie fort und löste die Orlando Pirates nach einem 2:0-Sieg gegen die „Piraten“ am Freitagabend an der Tabellenspitze ab. Henry Somseb und Heinrich Kazerua erzielten die beiden Treffer in dem Spitzenduell und erhöhten somit den Punktestand der „Sterne“ auf 21. Danach folgen die Pirates mit 20 Zählern auf Platz zwei. Die in der aktuellen Saison noch ungeschlagenen African Stars stehen nun wieder als absoluter Titelfavorit da. Die Mannschaften von Black Africa und Blue Waters trennten sich 2:2 und verbleiben jeweils auf Rang drei und vier. Indes konnten sich die Ramblers mit einem torlosen Unentschieden gegen die Tigers trösten, nachdem die Blau-Weißen am vergangenen Spieltag eine 0:5-Niederlage gegen Black Africa einstecken mussten. Jedoch rangiert die Mannschaft aus Pionierspark weiterhin sieglos auf dem zweitletzten Rang. Die Tigers-Mannschaft liegt jetzt mit einem Punkt hinter Blue Waters (17) auf dem fünften Platz und ist dem SKW nur durch eine bessere Tordifferenz voraus. Im Kellerduell, das bereits am Mittwoch stattfand, trennten sich Civics und Tabellenschlusslicht Hotspurs mit einem 4:4 und verweilen somit immer noch am unteren Ende der Tabelle. Besser machte es Oshakati City, nachdem sie durch einen 1:0-Sieg gegen die Küstenkicker der Eleven Arrows auf den viertletzten Platz vorrückten.

Von Frowin Becker

More prize money for Leo NFA Cup - by Helge Schutz

The winner of the 2010 Leo NFA Cup will receive N$600 000, an increase of N$100 000 on this year’s competition. This was announced by the Chief Commercial Officer of Leo, Chris Keeping at a press conference in Windhoek on Wednesday to launch the 2010 Leo NFA Cup. The prize money for the runner up has also been increased from N$200 000 to N$250 000, while the losing semifinalists will each receive N$100 000.

Besides that, prize money for individual performers has also increased with the Top Goal scorer of the Series and the Player of the Series each receiving N$25 000.

The prize money for the entire 2010 competition will amount to more than N$1 million, while the total sponsorship will amount to about N$3 million. The sponsorship is in its second year of a three-year deal between Leo and the NFA to sponsor Namibia’s premier cup competition.

“The sponsorship amount for 2010 equates to about N$3 million to cover for teams’ playing gear, prize giveaways, stadium branding, administration, broadcasting, final match event as well as promotion and advertising,” Keeping said.

“Football is one of the most popular sports in Namibia and we are delighted to be contributing towards the development of the game. Last year’s final match between Orlando Pirates and Eleven Arrows was the most memorable in recent years and we look forward to a bigger and better competition this year,” he added.

The 2010 Leo NFA Cup will start on January 24 when about 200 clubs throughout Namibia will be involved in the preliminary stages. After the preliminary round, the defending champions Orlando Pirates will be joined in the first round by 31 other clubs who will have qualified from their various regions and leagues, including those in the Namibia Premier League.

The secretary general of the NFA, Barry Rukoro thanked Leo for their sponsorship, saying that the 2010 event will set new record attendances.

“There is only one month left before the preliminary round starts all over the country and the NFA is therefore continuing with preparations to make this the best ever Leo NFA Cup. Last season saw one of the best finals so far, but we are confident that this year will set a new attendance record for the competition,” he said.

Rukoro promised that fans would be informed timeously about the development and progress of the competition.

“We will have new innovations aimed at keeping the media and the fans informed about what is happening next. The draw of the next round will take place immediately after the last one is completed. We want o move away from keeping you in suspense for weeks before the draw eventually takes place,” he said.

Arrows, Stars match abandoned - Submitted by Helge Schurtz, 29/11/2009

Eleven Arrows and United Stars’ fifth round Premiership match ended in disarray on Sunday when Stars’ players walked off the field after their defender Daniel Namwira was red carded for a foul. Namwira refused to leave the field and after consultations with their bench, Stars’ players all sat down and refused to continue with the match. After a delay of 15 minutes the referee called an end to the match.

At that stage Arrows were leading 2-1 but it is not clear whether that result will stand or whether the match will have to be replayed. The Namibia Premier League will now have to make a decision based on the match commissioner’s report and a fine for United Stars for bringing the game into disrepute could also be a possibility.

It was a disappointing end to a match that had already been postponed since the beginning of October due to an inadequate pitch at the Asab stadium in Karibib. Arrows’ home ground at the Kuisebmond Stadium had been unavailable since the start of the season due to maintenance, but it was finally ready and re-opened for the United Stars encounter.

The Rundu-based visitors took an early lead when Steven Matjayi scored with a stunning long-range strike on 10m.

Arrows immediately equalised two minutes later when Tara Katupose latched onto a throughball to score from close range.

Arrows continued to attack and took a 2-1 lead on 22m when Katupose completed his brace, after scoring from a layoff.

The match was regularly interrupted by fouls from both sides and Arrows’ defender Chris Katjiukua was sent off after picking up a second yellow car on 30m.

United Stars’ numerical advantage however did not last long as Namwira was red carded 5m later before the match was called off.

Civics shock Stars Submitted by Helge Schutz, 12/04/2009

Civics pulled off a major upset with a 1-0 victory against defending champions African Stars on Friday night. Ashley Jossop scored the only goal of the match after 16m, when he headed in a corner, to give Civics a vital victory and hand Stars their first defeat of the season.

Stars had their fair share of chances, but Civics played above themselves in a battling performance, that saw the game being disrupted due to numerous injuries on both sides. Further disruptions came midway through the second half when Stars fans pelted bottles onto the pitch after a penalty for a handball was disallowed, and when referee Daniel Kamukwanyama blew the final whistle after only one minute of stoppage time added, some disgruntled fans once again pelted beer cans.

Stars did the early attacking through wingers Edison Muheua and Heinrich Kazerua, but Civics took the lead against the run of play when Jossop rose unopposed to head in Tugela Tuyeni’s corner. Henry Somseb came close for Stars when a 30m shot skimmed the upright, while a Ronald Ketjijere shot was well blocked by Erastus Ndjavera. Stars suffered a setback when coach Bobby Samaria was ordered off the bench for arguing on 38m, and just before halftime, Civics keeper Ephraim Tjihonge cleared the ball just in time, ahead of the onrushing Somseb.

The second half was interspersed with numerous fouls, as Alfred Ndjenge of Civics and Quinton Jacobs of Stars both received yellow cards. Civics’ speedy striker Pineas Jacob had a great match and scored from a corner on 68m but the goal was disallowed for an earlier infringement. There was drama in Civics’ box as Tjihonge failed to control a high ball before his defence cleared the danger, and then more drama erupted when Stars’ fans pelted bottles onto the pitch after the referee turned down appeals for a handball.

Civics held out for the victory which sees them moving up one place to ninth on the log with eight points, while Stars remain second on 21 points, just below Black Africa on goal difference.

News www.dfb.de - 07.01.2010 09:20 U 20-WM der Frauen 2010

Überraschende und unvergessliche Eindrücke aus Namibia

Sporttaschen. Fein säuberlich aufgereiht am Rande des Spielfeldes. 24 an der Zahl. Das war für Margret Kratz der erste bleibende Eindruck in Namibia. Die Verbandstrainerin des Saarländischen Fußballverbandes reiste im Dezember für zwei Wochen in das afrikanische Land, um dort im Rahmen eines Langzeitprojektes des Deutschen Olympischen Sportbundes und des Deutschen Fußball-Bundes (DFB) Frauenfußball-Entwicklungshilfe zu leisten. 24 Talente, die meisten von ihnen aus der U 20-Auswahl des namibischen Verbandes, wurden von Margret Kratz vor allem im taktischen Bereich geschult. Intensiv. Auf und neben dem Platz. Praktisch und theoretisch.

24 Spielerinnen – und die Sache mit den Sporttaschen. „So banal es sich auch anhören mag. Für mich war das wirklich ein erster tiefer Eindruck“, erinnert sich Margret Kratz. „Ich habe schnell gemerkt, dass dieses Bild – diese 24 exakt an der Seitenlinie aufgereihten Sporttaschen - etwas Symbolisches hatte. Denn es hat sich herausgestellt, wie diszipliniert die Mädels waren. Und selbstständig. Ich kam beispielsweise eine viertel Stunde vor Trainingsbeginn auf den Platz, da haben sie sich schon eigenständig aufgewärmt. Mit einem wirklich tollem Programm“, sprudelt es auch der Fußballlehrerin heraus. Keine Frage. Margret Kratz ist beeindruckt.

Frauenfußball in Namibia steht erst am Anfang

Denn noch zu Beginn wusste sie nur wenig über den namibischen Frauenfußball. Nur so viel: Frauen- und Mädchenfußball steckt noch in den Anfängen, wird erst seit 2004 ernsthaft gefördert, das erste offizielle Länderspiel der Frauen-Nationalmannschaft fand 2007 statt, Mädchenfußball wird in sechs von insgesamt 13 Fußballbezirken des afrikanischen Landes gespielt. Und die U 20-Frauen Namibias bestreiten derzeit die Qualifikation für die WM in Deutschland. Die Informationen, die Margret Kratz also mit auf ihre Reise nahm, waren nicht sonderlich üppig.

Die Erfahrungen, die die Fußballlehrerin im Rahmen ihres Aufenthaltes machen durfte, gerieten dann umso reichhaltiger. „Ich war absolut überrascht, nicht nur über die Disziplin, sonder über das Niveau und den Fortschritt, den ich bei der Arbeit mit den Mädels erleben konnte.“ Zwei Wochen lang bot Margret Kratz praktische und theoretische Einheiten an, absolvierte mit dem Team daneben zwei Testspiele, arbeitete intensiv an der Taktiktafel und auf dem Feld. Schon bei ihrer Ankunft und der ersten Vorstellungsrunde fühlte sie sich mehr als willkommen, wurde warmherzig aufgenommen. „Ich hatte das Gefühl, alle freuen sich auf dieses Ereignis und habe in viele leuchtende Augen geschaut.“

Großer Herzlichkeit und menschliche Wärme

Insgesamt absolvierte Margret Kratz mit den Spielerinnen der Jahrgänge 1990 bis 1995 in beiden Wochen 16 Praxis- und sieben theoretische Einheiten. Bis zu zwei Stunden wurde jeweils intensiv gearbeitet, mehrmals am Tag. „Vor allem gruppentaktisch gibt es viele Defizite“, erläutert Margret Kratz, die von der großen Einsatzbereitschaft der Gruppe begeistert war. „Sie waren todunglücklich, wenn wir ihnen mal einen Tag frei geben wollten und haben alles aufgesaugt, was sie erzählt bekamen“.

Dieses große Engagement, verbunden mit großer Herzlichkeit und menschlicher Wärme, hat Margret Kratz bewegt. Und noch etwas kann die Fußballlehrerin nicht vergessen: Die Eigenverantwortlichkeit, mit der die jungen Namibierinnen ihre Aufgabe angingen. „Das hat mir gezeigt, dass wir noch viel mehr Verantwortung von unseren Auswahlspielerinnen fordern müssen“, sagt Margret Kratz und wird nachdenklich. „Wir müssen fordern und nicht verwöhnen.“

Namibias U-20 will zur WM nach Deutschland

Wieder zurück im verschneiten Saarland verspürt sie eine große Zufriedenheit gepaart mit der Gewissheit, dass es genau die richtige Entscheidung war, fußballerische Aufbauhilfe in Namibia zu leisten. Wegen der sportlichen Herausforderung, aber auch den vielen menschlichen Begegnungen und tiefen Eindrücken in dem fremden Kulturkreis. Eine Wiederholung des Ganzen will sie jedenfalls nicht ausschließen.

Vielleicht sieht sie „ihre Mädels“ ja schon schneller wieder als gedacht. Dann nämlich, wenn sich die U 20-Frauen von Namibia für die Weltmeisterschaft in Deutschland, die vom 13. Juli bis 1. August in Bielefeld, Bochum, Augsburg und Dresden ausgetragen wird, qualifizieren. Der Anfang ist für das Team jedenfalls gemacht. Die Mannschaft erreichte nach Siegen in Hin- und Rückspiel über Botswana die nächste Qualifikationsrunde, die im Februar ausgetragen wird.

http://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=500014&tx_dfbnews_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=21313&tx_dfbnews_pi4%5Bcat%5D=204

Hindjou takes over from Kanalelo - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 01/17/2010.

Ronnie Kanalelo has been fired as Eleven Arrows coach and will be replaced by assistant coach Congo Hindjou, until a new coach is appointed. Kanalelo’s dismissal follows their 2-0 defeat to SKW on Saturday, which saw their poor run continue this season as they dropped down to ninth on the log with only 10 points from 11 matches. In the process they have only registered two victories, while drawing four matches and losing five.

After the defeat, Arrows’ owner JJ Doeseb confirmed to Namibia Sport that they had parted ways.

“We have parted ways amicably with Ronnie Kanalelo as the head coach of Eleven Arrows. The assistant coach Congo Hindjou will be moved up into the acting capacity of head coach until we find a suitable candidate to replace Ronnie,” Doeseb said.

Doeseb emphasised that the parting had been amicable and praised Kanalelo for his professionalism.

“I must emphasise that Ronnie is a true professional who understands the game and the business of football and that’s why I can proudly say that our parting was amicable and based on a mutual understanding,” he said.

Doeseb said that Hindjou would take charge of the team until he found a suitable replacement. He said he had confidence in Hindjou despite his limited experience as a coach.

“I trust Congo and I have confidence in him but the hunt has already started and the new coach will be announced in due course”

Since taking over as Arrows’ owner, Doeseb has beefed up their squad with several big name signings. Last season he brought in national players like Muna and Tara Katupose, Freedom Puriza and Edward Damaseb, while he also appointed former African Stars coach Gilbert Rwasoka as head coach.

Despite finishing fifth in the Premier League and reaching the Cell One NFA Cup final where they lost to Orlando Pirates on penalties, Rwasoka was fired at the end of the season.

Doeseb appointed Kanalelo to take over as head coach, with Hindjou as his assistant, while several more big name players were signed at the start of the current season. Experienced national defender George Hummel was appointed, along with national midfielders Victor Helu and Edward Asino and Ramblers midfielder Bernadine Mbilizi.

The changes however failed to achieve the desired results and Arrows suffered a further blow when Helu tragically died on December 12 after suffering a stab wound to the head in Katutura. Since then, Mbilizi has also returned to Ramblers, leaving them seriously short of experience in midfield.

Against SKW on Saturday, Arrows were thoroughly outplayed as Milton Chapo and Edwin Korukuve each scored a spectacular goal to send Arrows crashing to their fifth defeat of the season.

Chapo opened the scoring with a great shot from the edge of the box on 30m, while Korukuve sealed SKW’s victory with a stunning 30m cracker on 77m.

Akan replaces Pfannenstiel - Submitted by Helge Schutz Wed, 13/01/2010

Ali Akan will replace Lutz Pfannenstiel as head coach of Ramblers, while Pfannenstiel will remain the director of football, following a meeting between the two and members of Ramblers’ executive committee on Tuesday.

Ramblers chairman Harald Hecht issued a statement on Tuesday evening stating that Akan would be in charge of the Premier League side as coach, while Pfannenstiel would be in ‘overall control’ of football at Ramblers.

“Due to existing international commitments of Lutz Pfannenstiel, the following restructuring became necessary: Pfannenstiel will remain director of football at Ramblers, working in conjunction with, inter alia, Ali Akan, the newly appointed head coach of the Ramblers’ Premier League side. Pfannenstiel will head the Youth Academy and will build international relations, and will remain in charge and assume overall responsibility for all Ramblers’ football matters including the Premier League,” Hecht stated.

On further enquiry Hecht said that Akan would be responsible for the team selection, for training and for team tactics. Pfannenstiel will be the goalkeeping coach, and will also sit on the bench ‘at times.’

“Pfannenstiel will help to analyse matches and will take overall responsibility,” Hecht said.

Hecht said that the appointment of Akan had become necessary due to the fact that Pfannenstiel was not always available for training, due to international commitments, while Akan had a better understanding of Namibian football.

The issue cam to a head on Tuesday after Pfannenstiel objected to Akan’s appointment as head coach on Monday. He said that as technical director, he was in charge of all coaching matters and that he would not be pushed aside.

“It is true that I have other projects and that I often have to go overseas, so it is good to have another coach, but I have the feeling that I am being pushed aside. I will never be somebody’s marionette with no influence – that is not for me,” he said.

It remains to be seen how Pfannenstiel and the controversial Akan will work together and how their roles will develop. Of special interest will be the directive that Pfannenstiel will take “overall responsibility” for the team’s performances, even though he will not be the head coach

Pfannenstiel maintains he is in charge - Submitted by Helge Schutz on Tue, 12/01/2010

The position of Ramblers’ head coach remained unclear on Tuesday after incumbent Lutz Pfannenstiel remained adamant that he was still in charge. Former Black Africa coach Ali Akan told Namibia Sport on Monday that he had been appointed as Black Africa’s head coach, but on Tuesday, Pfannenstiel disagreed, saying that he had been appointed as technical director of the team and, as such, he would be in charge of all coaching matters.

“I was appointed as technical director of Ramblers and as such, I am responsible for all footballing matters. I don’t have a problem with Ali Akan, and I rate him highly as a coach, but a lot of things still need to be discussed to iron out our roles. I am still the technical director and, as such, I am in charge of all the coaching matters,” he said.

Pfannenstiel was appointed as technical director by Ramblers club members Harald Hecht and Mark Kutzner, but they subsequently handed the management of the football club over to George and Nelson de Purificao and Joseph Martin, in order to concentrate on running Ramblers Club as a whole.

The latter three approached Akan to take over the coaching duties, despite the fact that Pfannenstiel had signed a lucrative one-year contract with the club.

“I didn’t come here to enjoy the nice weather. I have a long term plan for Ramblers and signed a lucrative one year contract with the option to renew for two years,” he said.

According to Pfannenstiel his brief was to oversee the technical department, as well as to develop youth football and to help create a football academy, amongst others.

George de Purificao told Namibia Sport that Pfannenstiel was still the technical director of the club but said that he would have to work together with Akan in coaching the first team.

“We haven’t defined their positions completely yet, but the idea is that they will work together in coaching the first team. Lutz is involved in a lot of projects at the club and we feel that he can’t give his full attention to the first team,” he said.

Nelson de Purificao said they had appointed Akan because they had to act soon to try and halt Ramblers’ poor position on the log.

“The team is struggling and we needed someone to get us out of our current position. It was our decision to appoint Ali because of his experience in Namibian football. We must still discuss the coaching issue with Lutz and Ali, but we want them to work together,” he said.

Pfannenstiel, meanwhile, revealed that the latest developments had put him in a compromising position after he had to renege on an agreement to appoint three new European players for Ramblers.

“I was in Europe and was busy finalising the appointment of three European players, when Ramblers pulled the plug at the final moment, due to financial reasons. One of the players had already resigned from his club and they are all extremely upset with me now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramblers member Harald Hecht told Namibia Sport that they would hold a meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the new coaching structure with regard to Akan and Pfannenstiel.

Fransman joins SKW - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Wed, 01/13/2010

Cymot SKW have announced the signing of one of Namibia’s top young soccer players, goalkeeper Diego Fransman. The 23-year-old Fransman recently returned to Namibia after a successful spell in South Africa, where he studied Sport Management at Northlink College in Cape Town.

Fransman soon made his mark in South Africa and in 2007 he represented his college team at a student championship tournament in Johannesburg, where he won the goalkeeper of the tournament award. He continued to maintain a high level of form and discipline and went on to win the Student Keeper of the Year award consecutively in 2008 and 2009.

Before he left for South Africa he had broken into Ramblers’ senior team, while he has also gained national honours at junior level. In 2005 he received an award for goalkeeper of the tournament at a national youth tournament in Windhoek and the following year he made his debut for Namibia Under 20 at the Cosafa Championships in South Africa. Fransman is also currently the Namibian national Under 23 goalkeeper.

According to SKW’s co-coach Rolf Beiter, Fransman has made a good impression at training and is eager to take over the number one jersey for their first team.

“We are happy to have Diego in our squad and he is doing well at practise,” he said.

Fransman’s arrival has added a lot of depth to SKW’s goalkeeping department where they also have the services of the experienced Harry Januarie and Namibia’s national under 20 goalkeeper Andre Fug.

Fransman could possibly make his debut for SKW when they start the second round of the MTC NPL campaign with a home match against Eleven Arrows on Saturday afternoon.

Beiter said that preparations for the match were well on track and that SKW had already played two practise matches against Ramblers and first league side Tura Magic, winning both 4-1.

Nujoma Stadium loses Astroturf By: CORRY IHUHUA The Namibian

THE International Football Federation (Fifa), in consultation with Greenfields Sport Turf Systems, has decided to remove the artificial turf at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, which they claim affects playability because of serious structural problems in various parts of the complex. This came to light in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Windhoek, Niilo Taapopi, which states that the structural problems have led to the movement of the sub-base, and “affects the playability of the synthetic turf system”. “We have therefore decided, in consultation with Fifa, to remove the artificial turf system. We shall use the same material, which is in impeccable condition, for the football pitch at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Training Centre,” the letter written by Sophocles Sophocleous, an inspector from Greenfields, says. Greenfields Sport Turf Systems is a Fifa-approved manufacturer of artificial football turfs and also provides additional expertise in civil engineering and project management. It was responsible for assigning a local company to lay the Astroturf at the stadium through the Fifa ‘Win in Africa with Africa’ project.

The turf was a gift from Fifa.

Sophocleous further states in the letter that they had tried to fix the problems on a number of occasions, only for them to resurface soon after.

“The latest inspection, which had taken place in mid-December 2009, has led to the conclusion that these problems are the result of serious structural weaknesses of the whole complex,” he said. “Signs of these are evident on the stands, the outside drainage channel and other parts of the structure.”

Yesterday, Taapopi said he had to check with his colleagues who might have received the letter while he was on leave before making a comment.

The City of Windhoek’s spokesperson, Liz Sibindi, requested written questions in order to consult with the department responsible for the stadium.

The Namibia Football Association’s (NFA) Chief Executive Officer, Barry Rukoro, who also received the letter, said: “The NFA was not directly informed about the possibility that the turf will be moved to the envisaged NFA Technical Centre. What we have seen is a letter from Greenfields to the City but we have not seen the City’s response on the matter. “It will therefore be premature for us to comment on the matter at this stage. What we can say is, however, that the faci-lity has proven itself to be good for the development of Namibian football where it is. What the future holds is not yet clear,” he said.

The letter was also addressed to George Mayumbelo, the City of Windhoek’s Strategic Executive on Economic Development and Community Services, as well as Nancy Brandt, the Manager for Parks at the Municipality.

Neither of them could be reached for comment.

The construction of the Sam Nujoma Stadium was completed in 2005 and was done by Namibia Construction, a local company.

The engineer of the project, Peter Roland at Buhrmann and Partners, said yesterday that he had nothing to do with the laying of the turf, but acknowledged that there was a “big fight” about it being installed. “All I can say is that there are minor areas where the plaster fell off that we are currently fixing and I cannot say anything about the laying of the plastic grass. It was a decision purely taken by the authorities at the municipal and football level,” he said.

However, The Namibian understands that the installation of the turf has up to now not been officially approved by the City of Windhoek, as they were not entirely happy with it because of several mistakes. Normal grass was first planted after the completion of the 10 300-seat stadium, but had to be removed just over a year ago for the laying of the Astroturf, which is now also proving problematic as there is no proper drainage system. Several Namibia Premier League matches have had to be called off because of water on the turf, while the Namibian women’s team could also not complete their Under-20 World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday because of a water-logged pitch.

The match was called off at half-time and was replayed on Sunday at the same venue.

Stars display their title credentials - Submitted by Helge Schutz on Fri, 01/29/2010

African Stars displayed their title credentials with an emphatic 2-0 victory against Tigers on Friday night. After an even first half of few chances, Stars stepped up the pace and second half goals by Ninja Karongee and Ronald Ketjijere ensured their victory.

The victory put Stars four points clear of Pirates at the top of the log, although Orlando Piraters have a game in hand, against Oshakati City on Saturday.

A lot had been expected from fourth placed Tigers, but they were no match for Stars, who on this display look like odds on favourites to retain their title.

In an uneventful first half, most of the play took place in the middle of the park as neither side could break through the defence.

Stars however took the lead early in the second half when Jamu Ngatjizeko launched a counterattack and put Ninja Karongee clear who sent a cracking 30m shot high into the net.

Stars’ fans went crazy, as some bottles were thrown on the field, but order was restored and the game could continue.

Tigers came close when captain Tangeni Shipahu headed inches wide, but Stars came back with Karongee and Rudi Louw putting in strong attacks.

Stars’ substitute striker Ikuaterua Tjozongoro injected a lot of pace and they nearly went further ahead when winger Edison Muheua headed a Tjozongoro cross against the post.

Stars’ pressure however finally paid off as Ronald Ketjijere slammed a 30m shot into the net after a corner clearance.

In the final stages Tigers’ substitute striker Kenny Malgas broke into the box but Stars’ keeper Max Mbaeva saved bravely at his feet.

African Stars 2 Tigers 0

Stars:

Ninja Karongee 54’, Ronald Ketjijere 74’

Brave Warriors to play Bafana - Submitted by Helge Schutz on Mon, 02/01/2010

Namibia’s Brave Warriors will play South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in an international friendly match in Durban on Wednesday, March 3. The coach of the Brave Warriors Tom Saintfiet told Namibia Sport that the South African Football Association had agreed to host Namibia in a friendly international match after discussions between SAFA and Namibia Football Association president John Muinjo.

“John Muinjo has good contacts with Danny Jordaan and SAFA and they recently arranged the match. On Friday we received a fax from SAFA saying that they would host Namibia in Durban on March 3,” he said.

The match will take place at Durban’s new World Cup Stadium, the Moses Mabhida Stadium which was unveiled in February last year.

Saintfiet said he was excited by the news and was looking forward to the challenge.

“It is very exciting news. I like to play the big guns and now we will play against Namibia’s big brother, South Africa. It will be very difficult because Bafana Bafana recently beat Swaziland 6-2 and Zimbabwe 3-0,” he said.

Since the match will take place on an international FIFA date for friendlies, Saintfiet will be able to call up Namibia’s foreign based players and he said he would try and field the strongest possible squad.

“We will try to assemble our strongest squad and see if we can do better than our neighbours against Bafana Bafana.”

Saintfiet said he would announce a squad of home-based players who will attend a training camp in Windhoek by mid-February. He said he hoped that the foreign-based players would be able to join the squad one week before the match, although according to FIFA rules, foreign based players only need to join the team 48 hours before a match.

According to the latest FIFA rankings, South Africa are ranked 28 places above Namibia. South Africa are ranked 85th in the world and 18th in Africa, while Namibia are ranked 113th in the world and 30th in Africa.

Although South Africa have a higher ranking, and many more professional players, the two countries are tied in head-to-head matches. Namibia won their first encounter 3-2 in the Cosafa Cup competition in Windhoek in January 1998, but South Africa gained revenge with a 4-0 victory in the African Cup of Nations finals in Burkina Faso a few weeks later.

In 1999 Namibia once again beat South Africa 4-1 on penalties in the Cosafa Cup competition in Windhoek, but South Africa finally shed their Windhoek jinx when they beat Namibia 1-0 in a friendly match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in September 2007.

Namibia has also played a South African Development side twice in recent years, losing 1-0 in the Cosafa Cup competition in 2008 and winning 2-1 in a friendly in Windhoek in October last year.

Players move in Premiership - Submitted by By: CORRY IHUHUA Namibian

PLAYER movements in the MTC Premiership were effected on the last day of the window period, with a lot of activity coming from Civics, Black Africa, Eleven Arrows Orlando Pirates and Ramblers.

The window period for the domestic league officially closed on Wednesday and as tradition has it, team owners scrambled to get players on their books just in time.

The biggest movers this time are Civics duo Eslin Kamuhanga and Sedekia Haukambe who resigned from Civics and are now faced with a dilemma of their contracts which are still active at the club. Team manager Paul Stramis said the players want to leave, but are contracted and will have to find a way to let them go if the interested team agrees to meet their demands. The two are rumoured to be going to Black Africa. Black Africa’s hard-running defender, Hans Witbooi, rejoined his former coach Ali Akan at Ramblers after he resigned at Black Africa on Tuesday, while Nigerian internationals Paul Dickson and Benson Naukoro have both been cleared by Ramblers to play for Eleven Arrows.

Romanus Shilongo left Orlando Pirates to join Eleven Arrows, while the coastal outfit in the meantime released Kelesuis Kandjimi to join Civics.

Arrows released Zino Buys to join Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW), while Oshakati City has cleared Paulus Shilomo to join United Stars for the remainder of the season.

Civics striker Nelson Angula has been loaned to Ramblers, while Blue Waters released goalkeeper Shiku Merksedek to rejoin his former side Oshakati City.

City also acquired the services of Zimbabwean player Shirinda Fungai, while Blue Waters cleared Joseph Dawids to join Tigers.

Defender Freddy Kauzuu makes a return to top-flight football when he rejoins Blue Waters from its feeder team Blue Boys, while Knowledge Ipinge also returns to Blue Waters after a spell at Civics.

SKW has acquired the services of John Marcus from Germany after their forward Tjono Jagger resigned to join Black Africa.

From the lower divisions, Mabareng Engelbrecht was snapped up by Orlando Pirates from Monitronic College and will do duty for the Buccaneers this time.

On the international front, Steven Goaxab, who turned out for South African-based first-division side Carara Kicks, will most likely return to Pirates, while Brian Gurirab, who plays for Angolan-based premiership side Primero de Maio, might return to join Arrows. Both players are yet to receive their International Transfer Certificates (ITC).

South African-based Bidvest Wits defender Richard Gariseb has received his ITC and is likely to rejoin his childhood side Pirates again.

Former Tigers player Trywell Kaira also got his ITC from the Swedish Football Association where he played for Assyriska Norrkoping and is now free.

corry@namibian.com.na

Turf war over Sam Nujoma Stadium - Submitted by By: CORRY IHUHUA Namibian

BÜHRMANN and Partners Consulting Engineers are threatening to sue Greenfields Sport Turf Systems after the latter claimed that the Sam Nujoma Stadium had serious structural problems. The engineers were responsible for the construction of the multimillion-dollar complex which Greenfields now claims is falling apart. Greenfields addressed a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the Windhoek City Council, Niilo Taapopi, which states that structural problems have led to the movement of the sub-base, “which affects the playability of the synthetic turf system”. “We have therefore decided, in consultation with FIFA, to remove the artificial turf system. We shall use the same material, which is in impeccable condition, for the football pitch at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Training Centre,” read the letter written by Sophocles Sophocleous, chief executive officer of Greenfields. The Namibian carried a story on the claims made by Greenfields on January 26. This week, Bührmann and Partners decided to sue Greenfields, slamming the Greenfields allegations as unsubstantiated and constituting a defamatory attack on the professional integrity of the engineers involved. “We reserve our rights to hold you liable for substantive damages suffered as a result of your entirely baseless and wrongful statements. “We can assure you that we will not permit this matter to go unchallenged and that we will take whatever action, including resorting to legal proceedings if that is necessary, to protect our good name and professional reputation,” stated Peter Roland, a partner at the firm, in a letter to Greenfields dated January 27.

DENIALS

On January 29, Sophocleous replied via e-mail that he has never claimed to be an authority on the subject, nor has he communicated with the newspaper, but purely communicated to the City of Windhoek what the line of action should be after having inspected the stadium. “It was never our intention to cast doubt on your professional competence and quality of your work,” Sophocleous states in his e-mail, adding that the leak of his communication with the City Council to the newspaper was not his responsibility. Sophocleous says the claims he made were just an internal communication between his company and the City Council. “We are ready to visit Windhoek as early as next week (this week) in order to discuss the issue and present our views,” he said. But, in a reply dated February 1, Roland angrily reacted: “In the circumstances unless you immediately and unequivocally retract your statements and procure such correction and an appropriate apology to be communicated to not only the WCC, but also published in The Namibian, we will regrettably have no choice but to pursue the legal route in order to secure whatever relief we are entitled to.” Roland yesterday said that he had not received a response from Sophocleous yet. Meanwhile, City Council spokesperson Liz Sibindi maintains that in the City’s opinion there are no structural weaknesses which impact the playability of the field. “It is worth mentioning that before the artificial turf was installed, FIFA’s agent inspected the SNS and found the facility to be suitable for the artificial turf,” she said. However, Sibindi added that the City Council didn’t get an answer after requesting Greenfields to provide it with the inspection report.

The Sam Nujoma Stadium cost about N$64 million and was completed in 2005. It can seat 10 300 people.

corry@namibian.com.na

Interview AZ Allgemeine Zeitung

Der Sportklub Windhoek (SKW) war eine von zwei Mannschaften, die vom Aderlass der Spitzenteams profitierte. In einer souveränen Partie besiegte man Blue Waters mit 2:0 und rangiert sich jetzt punktgleich mit den Walvisbuchtern auf Platz sechs ein.

Im Gegensatz zum schlechten Auftritt der vergangenen Woche – wo der Mannschaft jeglicher Kampfgeist und jegliche Taktik fehlte – trat der Sportklub gegen die Blue Waters von Beginn an diszipliniert auf. „Wir haben uns vorgenommen die Walvisbuchter sofort unter Druck zu setzen, welches zu 100 Prozent aufging“, erklärte Rolf Beiter die Taktik gegenüber der AZ und fügte hinzu, „somit fielen auch die Tore schon in der zehnten und zwölften Minute.“ Doch wie so oft, ging der Sportklub danach mit seinen Torchancen sehr spendabel um und versäumte es, den Sack frühzeitig zuzumachen. Am Ende sollte es trotzdem zu einem ungefährdeten Heimsieg reichen.

Bester Spieler des SKW war Pitzi Eichhoff – die Treffer schossen Jacky Stephanus und Milton Chapo. Nach diesem guten Auftritt sind auch die alten Saisonziele wieder aktuell. „Dadurch dass die Anderen für uns spielten, haben wir wieder Kontakt zur Spitze. Unser Ziel ist nach wie vor, am Ende der Saison unter die besten drei Mannschaften zu gelangen“, betont der SKW-Trainer abschließend.

Brave Warriors squad for Bafana match Submitted by Helge Schutz, 02/08/2010

Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet has called up five new players to his 25-man squad in preparation for the friendly international match against South Africa in Durban on March 3.

African Stars goalkeeper Max Mbaeva makes a return to the squad after an absence of more than a year, after being dropped due to disciplinary reasons.

Blue Waters defender Gotlieb Nakuta has been recalled after an absence of more than a year, as has former Brave Warriors captain and central defender Michael Pienaar, who plays for South African first division club Carrara Kicks.

Midfielder Letu Shatimuene, who plays for Angolan Premier League side Deportivo de Huilo, has been recalled to the squad after an absence of more than two years, while Orlando Pirates midfielder Johannes Seibeb receives a call up after some impressive performances in the Namibia Premier League.

The match, which will be played at the recently completed Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, will form part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup 100 Day Countdown event, as it takes place exactly 100 days before the start of the World Cup on June 11.

The squad includes nine foreign based players in Pienaar, Shatimuene, Hartman Toromba of South African first division side Vasco de Gama, Oliver Risser of Norwegian second division side Manglerud Star, Razundara Tjikuzu of Turkish Super League side Diyarbakirspor, Paulus Shipanga of South African first division side Bay United, Rudolph Bester of South African Premier League side Maritzburg United, Henrico Botes of South African Premier League side Platinum Stars and Wilko Risser of German fourth division side Eintracht Trier.

Saintfiet said there had been a lot of misunderstanding regarding Namibia’s Angolan-based players in the past.

“We had called up Letu Shatimuene before but due to poor communication with his club he failed to arrive in the past. But we don’t have a problem with him and hope he will be available this time. With regard to our other Angolan based players, Brian Gurirab is on his way back to Namibia at the moment, while we have a lot of choice in the central midfield position where Dumisa Jantze plays,” he said.

Answering a question as to why Tigers striker Tangeni Shipahu was not included in the squad in place of Wilko Risser, Saintfiet said that the players were not comparable.

“Tangeni was too slow against Zambia and in Tigers’ match against African Stars he hardly touched the ball. Wilko Risser is a professional player in Germany and although Tangeni is a talented player, you cannot compare the Namibian Premier League to the German professional league. Furthermore, Tangeni went to Germany to attend trials last year but he did not make the grade,” he said.

The Namibia squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Athiel Mbaha (Orlando Pirates), Virgil Vries (Eleven Arrows), Max Mbaeva (African Stars).

Defenders:

Hartman Toromba (Vasco de Gama), Gotlieb Nakuta (Blue Waters), Richard Gariseb (Orlando Pirates), Steven Goagab (Orlando Pirates), Ralph Ellinger (SKW), Nelson Geingob (Civics), George Hummel (Eleven Arrows), Oliver Risser (Manglerud Star), Michael Pienaar (Carara Kicks).

Midfielders:

Quinton Jacobs (African Stars), Ninja Karongee (African Stars), Rudi Louw (African Stars), Razundara Tjikuzu (Diyarbakirspor), Letu Shatimuene (Deportivo de Huila), Sidney Plaatjies (unattached), Paulus Shipanga (Bay United), Johannes Seibeb (Orlando Pirates).

Forwards:

Rudolph Bester (Maritzburg United), Henrico Botes (Platinum Stars), Wilko Risser (Eintracht Trier), Heini Isaacks (Civics), Eslin Kamuhanga (Civics).

Shipahu, Chapo lead goalscorers chart by Helge Schutz

The race for the Top Goalscorer award is hotting up with only seven rounds left in the 2009/10 MTC Premiership season. After 15 of the 22 rounds completed, Tigers striker Tangeni Shipahu and SKW midfielder Milton Chapo lead the goalscorers chart with nine goals each, with a host of other players in hot pursuit.

Both players found the net in matches last weekend, with Shipahu scoring a goal in Tigers’ 2-0 victory against United Stars on Saturday, while Chapo scored a goal in SKW’s 2-0 victory against Blue Waters.

Hot on their heels are Black Africa striker Jerome Louis and United Stars winger Alfred Shimuma. Each player scored a goal apiece when the two sides drew 2-2 on January 30, although neither one found the target last weekend, as Stars lost 2-0 to Tigers, while Black Africa drew 0-0 against Hotspurs.

Civics striker Pineas Jacob and Ramblers’ young striker Ananias Gebhardt follow with seven goals each. Gebhardt has been in hot form, scoring two goals in Ramblers’ 3-0 victory against SKW on January 27, and a further goal in their 1-all draw against Orlando Pirates on February 3.

Jacob scored a goal in Civics’ 3-2 defeat to Oshakati City on January 30, but failed to find the mark in their 3-0 defeat to Arrows the previous week.

Three other players follow on six goals each, namely Meraai Swartbooi of Orlando Pirates, Clarence Foroma of Black Africa and Ninja Karongee of African Stars.

The top goalscorers after Round 15 are as follows:

9 Tangeni Shipahu – Tigers

9 Milton Chapo – SKW

8 Jerome Louis – Black Africa

8 Alfred Shimuma – United Stars

7 Pineas Jacob – Civics

7 Ananias Gebhardt – Ramblers

6 Meraai Swartbooi – Orlando Pirates

6 Clarence Foroma – Black Africa

6 Ninja Karongee – African Stars

5 Bradley Wermann – Civics

5 Raphael Nuumbembe – Oshakati City

4 Heinrich Kazerua – African Stars

4 Tommy Mvula – Blue Waters

4 Richard Kavendji – Hotspurs

Stars come from behind to beat Oshakati City - Submitted by Helge Schutz Sun, 02/14/2010

African Stars came from behind to beat Oshakati City 3-1 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday night to maintain their lead at the top of the MTC Premiership log.

Playing in front of about 5 000 fans, Oshakati City took the lead against the run of play when Fanie Matheus volleyed home a cross by Fungai Chirinda.

Stars however stepped up the tempo in the second half and more chances came their way. Edison Muheua came close on 59m when his volley was cleared off the line by Jackson Nuule, but their pressure finally paid off seven minutes later when Oshakati defender Samson Kawawa headed a high ball into his own net.

Stars took the lead in clinical fashion from a swift counterattack on 79m. Oshakti City substitute striker Tateati Pengeyo raced clear on goal but Stars’ keeper Max Mbaeva rushed out to save at his feet and immediately launched a counterattack. The ball sped to Dennis Ngueza on the right wing who sent in a cross and substitute striker Gerson Katjatenja volleyed home from close range.

Stars continued attacking and won a penalty on 87m when Rudi Louw was fouled in the penalty box by Oshakati keeper Nalimanguluke Indongo. Louw stepped up to take the spot kick and although Indongo dived the right way, he could not stop the ball from passing under him into the net.

Second placed Orlando Pirates kept up the pressure with an important 2-0 away win against Blue Waters in Walvis Bay. Pirates’ young midfielder Sem Iipinge scored both goals to keep the pressure on African Stars, with Pirates now just two points behind.

Civics returned to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 victory against Ramblers on Saturday. They had lost 3-0 to Eleven Arrows and 3-2 to Oshakati City in their previous two matches, but on Saturday were in brilliant form as they overwhelmed Ramblers from the start.

Bradley Wermann put them ahead after only a minute when he slammed in a Pineas Jacob cross, while Tugela Tuyeni made it 2-0 on 16m when he headed in an Eslin Kamuhanga corner.

Kamuhanga turned finisher just before halftime when he latched onto a throughball by Jacobs to hit the back of the net with a cracking 25m shot.

Ramblers offered hardly any resistance and Civics captain Heini Isaacks put the issue beyond doubt on 64m with a brilliant 25m strike that rocketed into the net.

Eleven Arrows’ revival under Congo Hindjou continued as they beat United Stars 2-0 in Grootfontein, with Joseph Chanda scoring a brace.

On Friday, Hotspurs shocked SKW with a 2-1 victory, with goals by Richard Kavendji and Veron Itope, while Zino Buys replied for SKW.

On Thursday, Jerome Louis scored a great hattrick as Black Africa came from behind to beat Tigers 3-2 and move up to third position on the log.

Louis opened the scoring on 27m, but goals by Tangeni Shipahu (35m) and Kenny Malgas (40m) put Tigers ahead at the break.

Black Africa stepped up the pace after the break and two more goals by Louis on 49m and 82m gave them a memorable victory, to replace Tigers in third position – now six points off the pace.

Final Brave Warriors squad - Submitted by Helge Schutz Wed, 02/24/2010

Tafel Lager Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet has announced his final 19-man squad to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in an international friendly match in Durban on March 3.

The match will take place at the 70 000-seater Moses Mabhida Stadium and will form part of the 100-Day World Cup countdown festivities, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter also due to be in attendance.

Saintfiet said it would be a ‘massive’ game that he was looking forward to.

“I like to play the big guns and now we will play against Namibia’s big brother, South Africa. It will be very difficult because Bafana Bafana recently beat Swaziland 6-2 and Zimbabwe 3-0. But we will see if we can do better than our neighbours against Bafana Bafana,” he said.

“As a coach I dream about playing against World Cup competitors as well as our big brother neighbour in a big stadium so it will be a massive game for us,” he added.

Saintfiet dropped six players from the original squad of 25 following training sessions at the Sam Nujoma Stadium from February 15 to 17. The players who were dropped are goalkeeper Max Mbaeva, defenders George Hummel, Gotlieb Nakuta and Ralph Ellinger and midfielders Letu Shatimuene and Johannes Seibeb.

The Angolan-based Shatimuene had been called up before but failed to arrive for training due to a lack of communication between the NFA and his club, and he will now once again not be in action. Saintfiet said he still wanted to see Shatimuene at in action at a training camp but that there was not enough time and that he had enough cover in his position.

“I hope to get the opportunity to see Letu at a training camp in future, but now we have limited time to prepare and we have selected players who know my system. We also have enough options in Letu’s position on the right wing, where we can use Paulus Shipanga, Heini Isaacs or Rudi Louw,” he said.

Saintfiet said that George Hummel was still suffering from a groin injury while the other players were dropped because there were better candidates in their positions.

The final squad of 19 players sees the return of defender and former Brave Warriors captain Michael Pienaar, who plays for South African first division club Carara Kicks, after an absence of 18 months.

“We called Michael up before for the DRC game but then he was injured. But he has performed well for his club in South Africa and we know that we can rely on him,” Saintfiet said.

Saintfiet has called up nine foreign-based players to his squad, although Collin Benjamin of Hamburg is still unavailable due to injury. His foreign-based players include midfielder Razundara Tjikuzu of Turkish Super League club Diyarbakirspor and defender-cum-midfielder Oliver Risser who recently signed a two-year contract with Norwegian first division side Lyn Oslo.

Final squad:

Goalkeepers

Athiel Mbaha and Virgil Vries.

Defenders

Hartman Toromba, Richard Gariseb, Steven Goagub, Nelson Geingob, Oliver Risser, Michael Pienaar.

Midfielders:

Quinton Jacobs, Ninja Karongee, Rudi Louw, Razundara Tjikuzu, Sydney Plaatjies, Paulus Shipanga, Heini Isaacks, Eslin Kamuhanga.

Strikers:

Rudolph Bester, Henrico Botes, Wilko Risser.

MTC Premiership Roundup – 26, 27 & 28 February 2010 source TJ Ashipala

With a total of twelve goals scored over three days, Round 18 of our local league was far from dull. African Stars salvaged a point to return to the top of the log while Civics and Black Africa scored emphatic victories.Friday night saw Cymot SKW continue their poor form at the Sam Nujoma Stadium when they were thrashed by three goals to nil by Civics. The result moved Civics to within one point of SKW who are currently seventh on the log.

On Saturday, Oshikandela Ramblers put United Stars to the sword in Grootfontein with a well deserved three goals to one victory that boosted the visitors quest for survival while further denting those of new boys United Stars.

Meanwhile at the coast Blue Waters came so close to an upset but were disrupted by a late goal from African Stars that stopped the Beautiful Birds from picking up a famous win. The draw was enough to see Stars reclaim the top spot with a better goal difference than Orlando Pirates and the title challenge is shaping up to be the most exciting we have seen in many a year.

Wesbank Tigers could only play out to a nil all draw when they entertained resurgent Bizhub Eleven Arrows at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. No doubt Arrows caretaker Coach Congo Hindjou will be the happier with the point.

The delayed match between Black Africa and FNB Oshakati City that got underway on Sunday morning ended with Ricardo Manetti’s charges thoroughly dismantling the men from up north who seemed to have one foot on the bus home by three goals to none. livethescore.com

Brave Warriors stun Bafana in pulsating draw Submitted by Helge Schutz

The Tafel Lager Brave Warriors gave a sensational performance to hold South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to a 1-1 draw in a pulsating friendly international on Wednesday night.

Playing at a near capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Rudolph Bester momentarily shocked the 60 000 odd fans into silence when he put Namibia ahead on 41 minutes. But Bafana Bafana came back strongly in the second half and Katlego Mphela equalised on 70m.

The match, which formed part of the 100-Day Countdown to the World Cup celebrations, was a great spectacle on the field as well as off it, as the fans’ vociferous support, the constant Mexican waves and the deafening vuvuzelas all added to the excitement and drama of the evening. Bafana were the first to attack with Anele Ngcongca forcing an early corner, while Namibian keeper Athiel Mbaha saved a cross by Lance Davids. Bafana captain Teko Modise came close with a 20m shot on 18m but Mbaha pulled off a fine diving save, to tip the ball for a corner. At the other end Namibian striker Wilko Risser had little room to move as he was tightly marked by Siyabonga Sangweni, but Rudolph Bester managed a shot at goal that was comfortably saved by Itumeleng Khune.

The tempo increased as both teams launched quick counterattacks, with Mphela looking dangerous for Bafana, while Namibia’s wingers Sydney Plaatjies and Razundara Tjikuzu put in some strong runs. Tjikuzu was the instigator for Namibia’s goal when he broke through a tackle down the right flank and crossed the ball to Bester on the edge of the box, who volleyed past a diving Khune into the left hand corner of the net.

The crowd was momentarily shocked into silence and when the halftime whistle sounded a few minutes later, South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira looked a worried man. Parreira made several half time substitutions and Bafana came back with a vengeance after the break. Reneilwe Letsholonyane shot over the bar, Tlou Segolela had a shot saved by Mbaha and Siphiwe Tshabalala shot over the bar with a long range effort.

Bafana came close on 63m when Segolela raced onto a throughball, but Mbaha rushed off his line to clear the ball just in time.

A cross by Daine Klate went agonisingly close, and Bafana’s pressure finally paid off when Bryce Moon launched a quick counterattack down the right wing and crossed to an unmarked Mphela who beat Mbaha with a shot into the left hand corner. In the final quarter Bafana’s tempo was disrupted by Namibian coach Tom Saintfiet, who made numerous substitutions, as Heini Isaacks, Paulus Shipanga, Rudi Louw and Michael Pienaar all came on.

In the final stages, Letsholonyane, Klate and Mphela all had shots on goal, but they could not break through Namibia’s resolute defence, where Oliver Risser and Richard Gariseb were in fine form. But it was in midfield where the Brave Warriors shone, led by captain Quinton Jacobs and Ninja Karongee, who gave battling performances to keep Bafana’s dangerman Teko Modise in check.

Saintfiet was full of praise for his team at the post match press conference. “I am very proud of my players. They played like real Brave Warriors and tonight we showed that we are the same size as South Africa,” he said.

Violence disrupts Leo NFA Cup Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine online 07/03/2010

Namibia’s most lucrative cup competition, the Leo NFA Cup was overshadowed by crowd unrest during the African Stars-Tigers match at the SKW stadium on Saturday evening.

With Stars leading 1-0, violence erupted midway through the second half when a fan on the packed western main stand started throwing bottles at opposing fans. Spectators started running in all directions as fighting broke out and a security guard tried to defuse the tension by firing a warning shot. According to a match official, the instigator

The violence was soon brought under control but according to a match official, the instigator broke his leg when he fell off the stand after being kicked and he was later taken to hospital by an ambulance.

The NFA issued a statement on Sunday saying that it had launched an investigation into the incident and would take action in due course.

“The NFA assures the football loving fraternity that it awaiting reports from the Security firm entrusted with provision of security at the game as well as the report from the Match Commissioner.”

“The NFA will peruse the reports as soon as possible and due investigation will be undertaken to determine the right course of action, where necessary,” it said.

“The Association again reiterates that the facility’s magnitude was and is viable to host any match at the moment and regrets that some individual or group of people behaved unruly and indeed jeopardised the safety of others, including the players,” it added.

Meanwhile, the match resumed after a half hour delay as Stars went on to beat Tigers 2-0.

It was a remarkable result, bearing in mind that Stars’ national midfielder Ninja Karongee was sent off after only 16 minutes after picking up two yellow cards.

Despite being a man down, Stars looked more dangerous on the counterattack and took the lead on 36m when Heinrich Kazerua ran onto a Rudi Louw throughpass to shoot home from close range.

Stars’ substitute striker Ikuaterua Tjozongoro increased their lead with a goal on 82m when he beat Tigers’ outrushing keeper Charles Uirab to the ball to stab it into an empty net.

Tigers’ hopes of a late comeback suffered a final blow when captain Tangeni Shipahu was red carded for swearing at the referee.

In Otjiwarongo Eleven Arrows thrashed Omeege United 7-0 with winger Romanus Shilongo scoring a record six goals and Dickson Paul the other.

Civics however recorded the biggest victory of the weekend when they thrashed Kavango United 12-1.

Alfred Ndyenge scored four goals, Bradley Werman and Pineas Jacob each scored three and Tugela Tuyeni and Ashley Jossop each scored one in Civics’ rout.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates were pushed all the way before beating Golden Bees 1-0 through a 70th minute goal by Stanley Kamesiepo.

In Walvis Bay, Black Africa beat Blue Waters 3-1 with Da Costa Angula scoring two and Clarence Foroma one goal, while Gotlieb Nakuta scored for Blue Waters.

Saturday’s results were as follows:

Leo NFA Cup Last 32

Chief Santos 2 Young Beauties 1

Eleven Arrows 7 Omeege United 0

Sailors 0 Ramblers 6

Civics 12 Kavango United 1

Blue Waters 1 Black Africa 3

African Stars 2 Tigers 0

Orlando Pirates 1 Golden Bees 0

Namibia hold slender lead over Angola by Helge Schutz Namibia Sport Magazine 8Mar2010

Namibia came from behind to beat Angola 2-1 in a hard fought and physical first leg African Women's Championships qualifier at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Sunday. Angola’s centre forward and captain Irene Goncalves put the visitors ahead on 37 minutes, but second half goals by Thomalina Adams and Lena Fredericks gave Namibia a 2-1 victory.

Namibia now take a slender lead into the second leg encounter in Luanda on March 19, with the aggregate winner set to qualify for the finals in South Africa later this year.

Angola were the first to attack and Goncalves soon made her presence felt with her powerful runs into Namibia’s box.

Namibia’s defence, well marshalled by captain Queen Manga managed to keep her out, and their first attack came on 10m when a Stella Williams header was comfortably saved.

Both sides were fired up and tackled with conviction and the game was regularly interrupted due to injuries.

Namibia’s diminutive midfielder Juliana Skrywer came close when she burst into the box on 35m but Angola’s keeper Dionisia Domingo just managed to clear the ball in time. Two minutes later Angola took the lead when Goncalves ran onto a fine throughball and chipped the ball over Namibia’s outrushing keeper, Bonnita Eixas.

Goncalves nearly scored a second shortly after the break but her shot was tipped away for a corner, and as the game progressed more chances came Namibia’s way.

Lena Fredericks came close with a long-range effort on 23m and their pressure paid off five minutes later when Adams slammed home a clearance from a corner.

Angola came back strongly and Namibian keeper Eixas did well to save a Goncalves cross on 77m, but it was Namibia who took the lead through a great 30m strike by Fredericks on 80m that slammed into the roof of the net.

Angola pushed hard in the final stages and nearly equalised when Rosa Prata broke into the box, but Susanna Eises brought off a great tackle to dispossess her just in time.

Namibia 2

Thomalina Adams 73m, Lena Fredericks 85m

Angola 1

Irene Goncalves 37m