Palace target higher finish after fifth-place campaign

Football
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
  • 12 Hours Ago

King Kauluma (KK) Palace are targeting an even higher finish in the 2026-27 Namibia Premier Football League season after placing fifth in their first campaign following promotion.

Head coach Sakaria “Shafa” Kambonde believes the northern outfit can build on last season’s performance, with the club also expected to retain about 90% of its squad for the new campaign.

Palace did more than avoid relegation after gaining promotion, finishing among the league’s leading sides and losing only seven of their 30 matches. They recorded 11 wins and 12 draws, while scoring 39 goals during the campaign.

Kambonde said those performances have raised expectations among supporters, but warned his players against complacency.

“I believe that the expectations will be high from our fans given that we had a good season. We will, however, guard against any complacency as we know that we are just as good as our last match.

“I, however, know that Palace will be competitive as always and we aim to finish higher than what we did last season,” he told Sport Wrap yesterday.

Palace also produced encouraging performances in cup competitions, adding to what proved to be a strong season following their promotion.


Defence in focus

Despite their fifth-place finish, Kambonde identified the defensive department as one area he wants strengthened before the new season. Palace conceded 31 goals in their 30 league matches, while scoring 39.

“We scored many goals last season, but we also conceded many during the period. I believe that fixing our defending and also adding a few players will be for the benefit of the club,” Kambonde said.

The coach also wants the side to maintain the consistency that helped them establish themselves in the top flight.

Palace have not yet started their formal pre-season programme, with several players currently involved in off-season tournaments.

“We are currently not training yet because most of the players are busy playing these other tournaments. I can, however, say that we are busy cooking something, which will be a surprise to the fans this coming season.”


Shivute recovering

Palace could begin the new season without one of last season’s standout players, Vickson Shivute, who is recovering from a broken toe.

The club said Shivute sustained the injury while playing in a local football tournament in Windhoek and is not expected to return to full action immediately.

“It was unfortunate for Shivute that he broke his toe, but he is busy recovering.

“The doctors had given him at least four months. He has already gone through the rehabilitation process. We expect him to join us in a month or even sooner.”

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