The third round of the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) has crystallized a worrying trend for several clubs, with perennial contenders Tigers SC now facing genuine early relegation fears after yet another defeat.
This weekend’s action also proved a harsh reality check for several newcomers, most notably Life Fighters and Rundu Chiefs, who have both failed to register a win as the league table begins to take shape.
The biggest shockwave emanated from Oshakati where Tigers SC fell 1-0 to KK Palace. The defeat marks a disastrous start to the season for Ingwenyama, leaving them with zero wins after three matches. They lost 2-0 to Eeshoke Chula Chula yesterday.
Tigers’ inability to secure a victory has set alarm bells ringing in their camp, fuelling speculation that they could be unwanted early candidates for the drop.
For newly promoted Rundu Chiefs, their first two matches upon their return to the top flight delivered a fresh dose of agony, building on a dramatic weekend of crumbled leads.
Following an unfortunate 3-3 draw on Saturday against Khomas Nampol, where they surrendered a dominant 3-1 lead, Rundu Chiefs once again showed promise only to falter against the reigning champions.
Taking the lead against African Stars, the Rundu side’s defensive fragility reared its head again. Just like the day before, their “rearguard went to sleep,” allowing Starlile to mount a comeback and secure a narrow 2-1 victory, one of the two goals scored through a late penalty.
The two results encapsulate a brutal reality for Rundu Chiefs – they have the attack to compete, but the defence is costing them vital points.
The struggles of Tigers are mirrored by those of new boys Life Fighters. They went down 2-1 to Bucks Buccaneers on Sunday, fresh from a 3-0 defeat to Okahandja United the day before. The loss means that Life Fighters, who came into the league promising to “set the league ablaze,” are also yet to taste victory, proving that the jump to top-flight football is a steep one.
Meanwhile, FC Ongos, dominated Eleven Arrows in their own backyard, with an impressive 2-0 away win.
In other Round 3 fixtures, Khomas Nampol backed up their dramatic Saturday draw with a 1-0 victory over Julinho Athletic while Mighty Gunners secured a 2-0 away win against Okahandja United.
Round 3 also saw two stalemates, a goalless draw between Blue Waters and UNAM FC, and a similar 0-0 deadlock between Eeshoke Chula Chula and Young African.
Premier league action continues next weekend.