Gunners determined to maintain top finish

**Zebaldt Ngaruka **

After a breathtaking season that yielded Standard Bank silverware and a lofty third-place finish in the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) 2025/26 season, Mighty Gunners FC will enter the new campaign with a target squarely on their backs.

The team’s head coach, Leonard Kati Nambandi, told New Era Sport that last season’s relentless march to the podium proved this team can handle both the marathon of the league and the pressure-cooker environment of cup football.

“We understand the responsibility that comes with those achievements, and we are determined to build on that foundation rather than become complacent. Finishing third in the previous NPFL and winning the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup raised expectations around the club,” he said.

Nambandi added that the Otjiwarongo-based team knows the league will be highly competitive this season, and success will require consistency, hard work, discipline, and commitment from everyone involved.

“Our objectives for the new season are to remain competitive, challenge for honours, and improve on our previous league performance,” he said.

Furthermore, Nambandi said the team played several pre-season friendlies, which gave them a valuable opportunity to assess their players, integrate new signings, and work on different tactical approaches.

“As a technical team, we are focusing on improving decision-making in the final third and on maintaining possession under pressure. We are also strengthening our midfield balance and ensuring that players understand their individual responsibilities within the team’s system,” said the head coach.

He added that the team is also working hard to build cohesion, discipline, mental strength and a winning mentality.

“We respect every opponent, but our focus is on preparing to meet every challenge. We are looking forward to the new season with confidence, determination, and a clear understanding of what is expected of us,” Nambandi said.

Moreover, Barnand ‘Kondja’ Horaseb, Mighty Gunners FC captain, said the atmosphere within the team is positive and that everyone is looking forward to the new season.

“We are fine and ready to for anything. As a military team, we are always ahead with preparations and our fitness level is not a question,” he said.

Horaseb added that the new players are equal to the task and are coping well with their teammates.

“We lost some players too, but the current crop of players is energetic and shows a hunger for success. Our team is fitter than others because we started in August,” he said, adding that the team’s management is motivating players to do well.

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