First Division beckons for Dates Eleven and Rush Ups

REHOBOTH, 18 JUL  – The ||Kharas Second Division winners will be crowned at Keetmanshoop on Saturday and will then go on to represent the region at the Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) play-offs.
Coastal Stream winners, Rush Ups from Lüderitz and Inland Stream winners, Dates Eleven from Naute Dam near Keetmanshoop, will lock horns in the regional play-off to determine which team will qualify for the SSFD promotion play-offs.
The match, scheduled for 17h00 at the J Stephanus Stadium in Tseiblaagte, will be preceded by a third place play-off between the runner-up of the Inland Stream, Real Fighters, and the Coastal Stream’s Youngsters at 15h00.
Dates Eleven won the league with two games to spare and collected 49 points, whereas Rush Ups left it late and won it on the last day tied with 40 points against runners-up Youngsters, but having scored more goals.
Dates Eleven coach Andries Wimmerth told Nampa on Tuesday they know Rush Ups’ weaknesses and will work on that.
“Their backline is not comfortable with balls at their feet and we will play a pressing game to force errors from them and score. Our preparations have been good as we have had a week to prepare. We are ready to go and win,” he said.
Rush Ups coach Fannie Klaaste said they are hard at work preparing for the match.
“We have been working on our strategies and match tactics since Monday. We only have one thing on our minds and that is to win the play-off and try and win the SSFD promotion matches,” Klaaste said.
He said a few players are injured, but he believes they will recover in time to face Dates Eleven.
Meanwhile, all regional winners to be involved in the SSFD promotion play-offs have been determined.
The regional second division winners are Tura Cosmos from Omaheke; Eleven Champions from Khomas; Swakopmund Football Club from Erongo and Hardap Correctional Facility from Hardap.
Three teams will be promoted to the SSFD for the 2018/19 season.
The SSFD’s acting league administrator, Tovey ||Hoëbeb said they are still waiting for a date from the Namibia Football Association.
“As soon as we receive an indication from the NFA, we will communicate the dates and venues of the play-offs,” he said.
NAMPA