OPUWO: Sunday is D-day in the Northwest Stream First Division, with King Kauluma (KK) Palace and Golden Bees battling for a berth in the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) in nail-biting encounters that could send either team to the NPFL.
With only two games remaining in the first division league, the Premier League spot battle heats up as both KK Palace (1) and Golden Bees (2) sit atop the table with a two-point difference. Saturday and Sunday’s upcoming matches are must-wins for both if they intend to return to the Premier League next season.
KK Palace has set its sights on joining the NPFL next season following an impressive debut of 12 wins, four draws, and four losses in 20 games. They lead the league with 40 points.
However, the Outjo-based team is not far behind, as they will attempt to pounce on any mistakes made by the league leaders in order to secure the title and return to the league they last played in 23 years ago.
The Ondangwa team, who competed in the NPL during the 2004/05 season, is
also keen to return to the top division and will avoid missteps in the process.
KK Palace will host arch-rival Khuse Lions on Saturday at the Andima ya Toivo sports field in a game they cannot afford to draw or lose, before facing Onambula United at the same venue in Ondangwa in a must-win game for the title.
However, the Golden Bees must fight tooth and nail as they travel away from home in the league title deciders, beginning with a game against a formidable rival, Eleven Warriors, on Saturday at Omulunga Stadium in Grootfontein. On Sunday, the Bees will travel to Otavi to face demoted Touch and Go.
Other fixtures this weekend include African Motto against Onambula United, Young Chiefs versus Ongwediva City, Golden Bigs against Oshikuku Young Stars, and Touch and Go hosting Outjo Football Academy on Saturday.
On Sunday, African Motto will face Khuse Lions, Young Chiefs will meet Oshikuku Young Stars, Golden Bigs will play Ongwediva City, and Eleven Warriors will take on Outjo Football Academy.
While th
e promotion race continues, so does the effort to avoid relegation. Oshikuku Young Stars, Young Chiefs, Outjo Football Academy and Ongwediva City are still in trouble.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency