Africa-Press – Namibia. UNSPECIFIED illnesses have resulted in several Debmarine Namibia Premiership being postponed recently, says Namibia Premier Football League director Mabos Vries.
Nine matches scheduled for Otjiwarongo, Rundu and Windhoek did not take place over the weekend, resulting in murmurs of discontent and conspiracies from football lovers.
The majority of cancellations involve struggling sides.
The matches included Black Africa versus Civics, Life Fighters against Blue Waters, Julinho Sporting versus Eleven Arrows, Young African against Citizens, and African Stars versus Tigers.
Speaking to Desert Radio this week, Vries said the affected clubs informed his office that players were diagnosed with illnesses.
“Players could not be allowed to play over the past weekend due to that, and that was the primary reason why matches were postponed,” he said.
African Stars led the standings with 52 points, followed by coastal giant Blue Waters on 37 points, and Okahandja United in third place with 34 points.
At the bottom, Citizens are still struggling at the foot of the table on just four points, with Black Africa and Eleven Arrows in the other red zone spot on 19 points each.
“African Stars match against Tigers FC match was called off because African Stars has five players called up for the Brave Warriors qualifiers home and away against Cameroon on 24 and 28 March,” Vries said.
“We had a total of nine games called off. Due to that, matches are postponed for another week or two, and we’re currently busy reworking the remaining fixtures,” he said.
“Normally we do not play games over the Easter long weekend, but due to the circumstances we have to reschedule some matches during the Easter holiday,” he said.
Due to the rescheduling, the league is likely to conclude only in early May.
Vries expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by the clubs, and that the league has now become competitive because of relegation looming over some clubs.
The lack of match venues in Windhoek, where the majority of the 16 topflight clubs reside, is another burning issue.
Windhoek-based teams make use of the Unam grounds, Sport Klub Windhoek and Khomasdal stadiums.
Insufficient lighting at the venues has led to few evening matches.
“I think we will have midweek matches at SKW by April,” said Vries.
“I must also admit that clubs are doing their level best in promoting their respective matches on social media platforms.
“The inactive league for the past three years has forced local football fans to turn to the English premier league but am confident that they (fans) will eventually pack the stadiums,” he said.
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