Jacobs returns to steer Tigers’ survival fight
One of Namibia’s oldest football clubs, Tigers FC, find themselves rooted to the bottom of the premier league table and battling to avoid relegation.
In response, the club has appointed experienced tactician Woody Jacobs as co-coach alongside Brian Isaacs in an effort to revive their season.
Jacobs was officially appointed on Tuesday and returns to a club he has previously coached during two separate spells.
The move signals the urgency within the Tigers camp as they seek to claw their way out of the relegation zone.
Jacobs said he is ready to embrace the challenge.
“I am proud to have been appointed by Tigers FC as co-coach of the team.
“We have a huge task of taking the team out of the relegation zone and I am relishing the challenge.
“I have been in similar positions before and rescued teams from relegation,” he said.
Proven pedigree
Jacobs is a Confederation of African Football (Caf) A Licence holder and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished league coaches.
He previously guided African Stars to premier league and Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup success and had a stint at Black Africa in 2015.
His coaching résumé also includes spells with Orlando Pirates and Bucks Buccaneers, whom he coached nine months ago.
Jacobs previously led Tigers in 2017 and again in 2024, making this his third stint with the club.
In 2023, he made history by becoming the first Namibian coach to manage a Botswana side when he joined Matebele FC. He later took charge of Tafic FC in 2024 after parting ways with Matebele.
He also coached the Brave Gladiators in 2021.
Now back at Tigers, Jacobs believes the club’s stature demands survival.
“I am very happy to have been given this opportunity and will take it with both hands.
“Tigers FC are a very big club with a rich history, which is why it is important to rescue them from relegation.
“Isaacs is a good coach and a mentor because I briefly played under him. I have huge respect for him and know that we can rescue the team together,” Jacobs told Sport Wrap yesterday.
The task ahead
Tigers have endured a difficult campaign, losing 10 of their 18 league matches.
They have managed just three wins and five draws, scoring 13 goals while conceding 26.
Club chairman Nelson “Dicky” Akwenye expressed confidence in the new technical partnership.
“We have endured a very difficult period as a club, and it’s important that things change.
“We brought in Jacobs because we believe he can make a difference.
“We are confident that he will deliver because of his experience,” said Akwenye.
With the season entering a decisive phase, Tigers will be hoping the reunion with Jacobs provides the spark needed to lift them out of danger.
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