Gobabis: Debmarine Namibia Premier Football League's recently crowned champions, African Stars, having made history by securing three consecutive league titles, will take their final bow at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, where a guard of honour from Young African awaits them.
According to Namibia Press Agency, nicknamed the Samba Boys, African Stars were confirmed champions two weeks ago following a victory over Okahandja United and a draw against Mighty Gunners, solidifying their dominance in Namibian football. They have also qualified for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.
In their final league fixture, Stars will face their fierce rivals, Young African of Gobabis, in a match that will be played for pride and bragging rights. Young African, the home side, will be looking to end Stars' supremacy after a narrow defeat to them in the final of this season's MTC Maris Cup.
The champions anticipate a guard of honour from their opponents, along with a standing ovation from the fans. Stars currently sit at the top of the table with 57 points from 16 wins and nine draws. They have lost four matches, scored 44 goals, and conceded 22 over 29 games. Young African, with 13 wins, 14 draws, and just two losses, the fewest in the league, have amassed 53 points.
Stars' in-form talisman Mbakondja Tjahikika leads the league's scoring chart with 15 goals, two ahead of Khomas Nampol's Nguzu Salazar.
The champions have shown prowess, determination and consistency on their path to glory, with their captain and midfield maestro, Himeekua Stiga Ketjijere, leading them to two trophies this season. Despite the departure of first-choice goalkeeper Kamaijanda Ndisiro to South Africa's Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Highbury FC, Mervin Kasetura rose to the occasion and delivered some of the league's best goalkeeping performances to help Stars secure supremacy.
Another final league fixture will see Bucks Buccaneers take on Unam FC at the SKW Stadium in Windhoek. Unam are currently sixth on the table with 45 points, while Bucks sit in 12th place, nine points clear of the relegation zone.
The 2024/2025 season also saw the relegation of Cuca Tops, Blue Boys, and Young Brazilians, who will now join their respective regional divisions, North East and Southern Stream.
Khomas Nampol finished third with 51 points, followed by FC Ongos with 50 and Mighty Gunners with 49. Unam ended on 45 points, while Eeshoke Chula Chula and KK Palace secured 7th and 8th place with 45 and 43 points, respectively. Blue Waters followed with 43 points. Tigers and Okahandja United finished level on 34 points, while Julinho ended with 32 points.