Pirates on thin ice
Since the kickoff of the NPL season, some big clubs, including Orlando Pirates, have had the rug pulled from under them, and are sinking deeper into the abyss.
Orlando Pirates have being camping at the bottom of the 2018/19 Namibia Premier League (NPL) since the start of the season, which has become a concern for the outfit that parted ways with coach Erich Muinjo in December.
Assistant coach Heribert Kapeng was also fired after the team performed badly in their first NPL matches of the season.
Local coach Lucky Kakuva was then roped into the fray, with the hope of reviving the ailing fortunes of the club.
Asked if his call-up was a panic response, Kakuva said there is definitely concern with regard to the position the club currently find themselves in.
During this past weekend's matches, Pirates lost 2-0 to Eleven Arrows.
“We have been at the bottom since the season started. It's a concern. I was called in to try and restore the image and pride of the club.
“It won't be easy, but we are looking at signing new players. We have identified and spoken to some already, as there are positions which we are not happy with. But you must remember that as a coach I'm also tasked to develop players,” Kakuva said.
He said losing has certainly knocked the confidence of the players, but there are still matches to play, meaning they can still pick up much-needed points.
“We don't have bad players. We have just been making silly mistakes.
“All we need is one win to turn things around. There are 18 matches remaining and we want to collect as many points from those as possible,” said Kakuva.
The head coach urged loyal supporters of the club to take ownership of their side and fill the stadiums when they play.
“It's a tradition for Namibian fans to stay away when they see the club losing. But it shouldn't be so.”
Pirates, on five points, together with Okahandja United and Blue Waters (both on six points) are inhaling dust at the bottom of the log. Pirates will face log leaders Black Africa (BA) this coming weekend at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
“The players don't need motivation. They know what they are up against. You cannot be humble before a match. These two clubs have a lot of history and the players will compete for their reputations.
“We might pull a surprise; even if BA thinks they are at the top, football is full of surprises and it is a very crucial match for us, and we will play like it's the final, that's the spirit of Pirates,” Kakuva added.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Assistant coach Heribert Kapeng was also fired after the team performed badly in their first NPL matches of the season.
Local coach Lucky Kakuva was then roped into the fray, with the hope of reviving the ailing fortunes of the club.
Asked if his call-up was a panic response, Kakuva said there is definitely concern with regard to the position the club currently find themselves in.
During this past weekend's matches, Pirates lost 2-0 to Eleven Arrows.
“We have been at the bottom since the season started. It's a concern. I was called in to try and restore the image and pride of the club.
“It won't be easy, but we are looking at signing new players. We have identified and spoken to some already, as there are positions which we are not happy with. But you must remember that as a coach I'm also tasked to develop players,” Kakuva said.
He said losing has certainly knocked the confidence of the players, but there are still matches to play, meaning they can still pick up much-needed points.
“We don't have bad players. We have just been making silly mistakes.
“All we need is one win to turn things around. There are 18 matches remaining and we want to collect as many points from those as possible,” said Kakuva.
The head coach urged loyal supporters of the club to take ownership of their side and fill the stadiums when they play.
“It's a tradition for Namibian fans to stay away when they see the club losing. But it shouldn't be so.”
Pirates, on five points, together with Okahandja United and Blue Waters (both on six points) are inhaling dust at the bottom of the log. Pirates will face log leaders Black Africa (BA) this coming weekend at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
“The players don't need motivation. They know what they are up against. You cannot be humble before a match. These two clubs have a lot of history and the players will compete for their reputations.
“We might pull a surprise; even if BA thinks they are at the top, football is full of surprises and it is a very crucial match for us, and we will play like it's the final, that's the spirit of Pirates,” Kakuva added.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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