Life Fighters' coach George Ochurub has come to the aid of Khomas Nampol’s Rewaldo Prins, saying the player scored two goals when the two sides met in
Otjiwarongo. 

Ochurub expressed disappointment at how the Namibia Premier League (NPL) handled the matter.

“The player scored two clear goals. He is telling the truth. Our goalkeeper did not make any contact with the ball at all. 

“Where NPL got the false information, I really don’t know. Have they not been following reports on how Prins and African Stars’ Willy Stephanus have been tailing each other in terms of the goals they have scored? 

“Why didn’t NPL contact their compliance officer in Otjiwarongo to confirm the goals scored or to phone me for clarity or verification?” Ochurub asked.

The controversy arose after one goal was deducted from Prins’ initial count of 16, preventing him from being recognised as the joint top scorer alongside Stephanus.

According to reports from the referees’ office, Prins’ goal tally stands at 15. 

However, both the player and his club assert he has indeed scored 16 goals, positioning him as the joint top scorer alongside Stephanus. 

On Tuesday, NPL director Mabos Vries said they are in the process of verifying Prins’ goals. “We had a meeting with the team, and are verifying the goals. The player said he scored 16 goals, whereas the referee, who officiated the match between Khomas Nampol and Life Fighters in which Prins is claiming that he scored two goals, said the other goal was an own goal. 

“We will investigate everything, and then announce the way forward,” explained Vries. 

Prins said the first goal he scored was inside the box.

 “I got a through pass, and blasted it in. The second goal was another through pass, but I chipped it over the goalkeeper. 

“None of these two goals deflected any defenders, as they were clear goals. This just goes to show that someone is paid to lie here,” said the frustrated player.

Prins further shared records of the goals he has scored in the just-ended Debmarine league, stating that he scored a goal each against Young Brazilian, Civics, Life Fighters, Okahandja United, Mighty Gunners, Julinho, Orlando Pirates and Blue Waters, as well as two goals each against Okakarara Young Warriors, Life Fighters and Young Brazilians. 

“This is very embarrassing. It’s so sad to go through all this. To think that your hard work would put you in a lot of drama like this is uncalled for. 

First, they didn’t note down a goal I scored against Okahandja United in the first leg. We gave them evidence, and they corrected the mistake. Now, this issue again. It just shows how poor our football leaders are,” he said.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na