Ongos FC banking on consistency

Football
The new signings should clearly indicate the intentions of the club that finished second last season.
Jesse Kauraisa
  • 1 Month Ago 12 November 2024
Ongos FC coach Mervin Mbakera says he is building a team that should be consistent for years to come, not just for the upcoming season.

Mbakera – the premier league-winning coach with African Stars just two seasons ago – has been with his new club for the past three months and believes that they have something cooking for a brighter future.

Last week, the NFA and sponsor Debmarine Namibia announced that the Namibia Premier Football League season will start on 29 November.

The Ongos squad has already been in pre-season before the announcement and is said to be fired up for the upcoming season.

“The club's philosophy has been to acquire elite youth players to build a team to last for seasons to come.

“Yes, we want to win everything this coming season, but what is important is to build a team that will dominate and remain consistent for seasons to come.

“The good thing here is that everyone is on the same wavelength and the backing of the management has been incredible,” Mbakera said.

The acquisition of former Unam FC captain Tuazuvirua Toromba as well as prospects such as Pollen Rooi and goalkeeper Donald Boois (both from Young Brazilians) has signaled the intention of Ongos FC.

The club has also bolstered their depth with the signing of experienced campaigners such as former Brave Warriors and Black Africa midfielder Immanuel Heita, from Unam FC, and Joseph Lungu, a Zambian left-back from Red Arrows FC.

“If you look at the signings we have made and the existing crop of players in the squad, it must tell you the direction in which we want to go.

“The truth is that we want to be the best in the land and the only way will be by having a bit of consistency and developing a team that can leave a legacy,” Mbakera reiterated.

Mbakera revealed that he has given his players off last week because they’ve had three months of pre-season training due to the delay in the start of premiership fixtures.

The club decided the squad needed to take a rest after realising that they have taken a dip during their last pre-season friendlies.

The coach lauded the management for keeping the team active with full remuneration even when times were uncertain.

“I want to thank the management for taking care of the team even during the off-season and when matters seemed unpredictable.

“I also have to give thanks unto the technical team that I found here for their support,” Mbakera noted.

Ongos FC finished as runners-up to league champions African Stars during the 2023-2024 season.

The club won 18 of their 30 league matches while dropping two points on seven occasions, with only five losses throughout the season.