Can this be Chula Chula’s season?
Eeshoke Chula Chula have been one of the teams to watch over the past few seasons and came agonisingly close to winning the league title last season. The question now is whether they can mount another serious title challenge.
The northern football giants return to training this week still carrying the fresh wounds of missing out on the championship last season.
Chula Chula came within touching distance of dethroning African Stars but ultimately fell at the final hurdle, finishing just one point behind the champions.
Despite the disappointment, the campaign provided plenty of motivation for a club that only recently made its breakthrough into Namibia’s top-flight league.
Coach John Sikerete has remained optimistic, a mindset that has been reflected in his team’s fighting spirit.
Sikerete’s side officially begin their pre-season training on Tuesday, with the coach looking forward to another demanding campaign.
“It is indeed exciting that we are returning to training because it has been a while.
“I am sure that everyone is excited about this and the players are raring to start training.
“We can only hope for a much better and bigger season this time around,” Sikerete said.
Chula Chula recorded 16 wins from 30 matches last season, collecting 57 points. They lost just five matches throughout the campaign, while nine draws saw them drop points.
They scored 35 goals and conceded 20.
Their biggest heartbreak, however, was finishing just one point behind African Stars.
“I think it is sometimes more painful to finish just one point behind than to finish six points behind a club.
“I also think that the players must be proud of themselves for having come so close.
“We want to be successful this season and will push in order to do so,” Sikerete told Sport Wrap.
The fact that Chula Chula recorded the same number of wins as the champions has given the club confidence heading into the new season.
Chula’s rise
Chula Chula earned their place in Namibia’s elite league for the first time after being crowned champions of the North-East First Division during the 2022/23 season.
They sealed their historic promotion with two matches to spare after consecutive victories over Chief Santos (4-1) and Rangers (2-0).
The club made its official top-flight debut when the 2023/24 season kicked off in September 2023.
Their arrival in the Premier League attracted huge attention, particularly because of the passionate support and large crowds attending their matches.
While Chula Chula are yet to win the Premier League title, they have enjoyed success in cup competitions, including the Hage Geingob Cup.
Now, their faithful supporters will be hoping this is the season when Chula Chula finally turn their growing reputation and title challenge into silverware.
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