As the curtain comes down on arguably one of the most exciting and closely-contested title races, all eyes will be fixed on the defining moment for one of the greatest football teams to have ever graced our shores - Orlando Pirates.
The Katutura giants confront Debmarine Namibia Premier League champions-in-waiting African Stars in a must-win match.
For “Starlile”, the tie is a dead-rubber assignment, but with pride and bragging rights at stake, there is little love lost between the two old foes.
Ronnie Kanalelo’s rejuvenated Reds would like to end the season on a high note, and victory will just be the cherry on top of the cake.
Truly speaking and respectfully, Pirates have been skating on thin ice over the last couple of seasons, escaping the dreaded axe by the skin of their teeth on a few occasions.
From a personal and professional point of view, it’s a very painful scenario seeing the mighty Buccaneers in this precarious position.
On paper, Pirates have the quality to pull through the stormy waters, but why choose to do it in the eleventh hour?
Truth be told, Pirates has no business fighting relegation while rendered to live in the shadows of league debutants Khomas Nampol and other competitors with no remarkable pedigree in the annals of domestic football.
My dear readers, please pardon me, but my fingers are shaking like a fired-up Concertina player fronting a well-oiled Boere Orkes.
Can we imagine the country’s top-flight football league without the presence of the mighty Buccaneers? It will be a bitter pill to swallow not only for the ghosts, but all football lovers, including the neutral fan.
Namibian football is rapidly losing its culture, and if something drastic is not done, historical teams will die a silent death because of the stone-aged philosophy of community-driven projects.
A quick reflection: Chelsea, Young Ones, Ramblers, Explorer Eleven, SKW, Hungry Lions, Eleven Arrows, Chief Santos, Atlantis, Benfica, Robber Chanties, Namib Woestyn, Sorento Bucks and Sparta United, were all great teams that formed the nucleus of our league set-up.
Gone are the days of community-based teams running a football club. Nowadays, this requires men with deep pockets (loaded with moolah), blessed with sound business minds. Football is a serious business, and should no longer be considered as just another pastime. Pirates have been skating on thin ice for a very long time and luck might be running out this time around; you can’t ride on luck and hopes for eternity.
Bone to pick with those pulling the strings
What are those entrusted to oversee the smooth running of our sports bodies smoking?
It goes beyond any comprehension how athletes walk away with the prestigious best performer of the year award, yet their respective coaches are overlooked in the best coach award category.
Truth be told, this exercise defies any form of logical thinking.
These two awards travel in tandem; you just can’t divorce them. Period!
How does one win the top coach of the year award if your subjects haven’t won any notable titles? Please don’t confuse title pretenders with title contenders; it makes a mockery of justice.
While on the same topic, football could face the same predicament.
Did I hear some keyboard warriors argue that Ronnie Kanalelo should not be considered for the best coach of the year award if he successfully leads Stars to their third consecutive league title? But logic suggests if Stars wins the prestigious best team of the year award, that accolade should simply travel in tandem with that of the sheriff.
Hello, you can’t reward people for participation. Awards are primarily tailored for winners.
If you want to award well-performing coaches, create another category, most probably for best improved, rookie or something along those lines, certainly not in the best category without them winning any notable silverware. I rest my case.