Young African captain, Lilian Karupanda says his team are still contenders for the 2024/2025 Debmarine Premiership league title. 
The Gobabis-based team will take on relegation-threatened Young Brazilians in their next encounter before a pivotal battle against title rivals Khomas Nampol. 
“I still believe that with the remaining nine games we still have a chance. Our spirit in the camp is high and we have momentum. We are very positive,” said Karupanda. 
During last weekend’s matches, Young African lost 3-1 to Blue Waters in Walvis Bay before a 1-all stalemate against Blue Boys in Swakopmund the next day. 
In the latter match, Blue Boys took the lead through in form striker, Denzil Narib’s unstoppable strike on the cusp of half-time. It was his fifth goal of the season. However, Young African piled on the pressure in the second half, playing with the wind in the favour to head in an equalizer, courtesy ofChristian Doesëb.“We know that those were away games.We came here expecting six or fourpoints, but it did not happen, but yeah it was a tough game. They scored first and we came back strong. We didn’t take our second chances, but we will take the positivesand move on.” “They (Blue Boys) surprised us a lot.
They were playing the ball and were very comfortable (on the ball). They shared the ball among themselves. They played beautiful football, and it was unexpected from us,” said Karupanda after the match.Despite only collecting one point during last weekend, Young African have one of the best defensive records in the league. They have conceded only 15 goals from their 21 matches.
With former African Stars, Black Leopardsand Brave Warriors defender, Maleagi “Marley” Ngarizemo as head coach, it is no surprise that the team’s philosophy is centered around a strong defence. “It is a very big factor that can help us challenge for the league. As you can see on our technical team, the coaches, the team manager and the assistant coach were all defenders and played for the national team. We are grateful to them because they are helping us a lot,” said Karupanda.
Formed in 2013, Young African were promoted to the Premier League in 2015. The steady rise of African also included glory in 2017 when they were crowned NFA Cup champions.
The team was undefeated in the half of the season and gave serial winners African Stars a lot to ponder on in the league The rivalry with African Stars was also revisited during the inaugural MTC Maris Cup, where African Stars won the final 1-0 in March.
“Back at home we have been training, doing roadwork and climbing mountains.Our fitness is our key secret,” Karupanda
said, when asked what led to Young Africa’s transformation this season.He expressed gratitude to the team’sfans who are faithful not only at home matches but also during away trips. “Thank you for the support to those who travelled and to those who did not
make it. We know that you are all behind us.” With nine matches remaining, only three points separate them from the top
three. African Stars, whose next match is against Young Brazilians, occupy first position on the latest Debmarine Namibia
log standings with 40 points from 21 matches.Khomas Nampol and Young African have both amassed 37 points from their 21 matches and are separated only by goal difference.