Mighty Gunners insist on hunger after Top 8 triumph as NFA Cup test looms
Mighty Gunners coach Leonald Nambandi vows to keep his side hungry after the 2026 Standard Bank Top 8 win as they prepare for the NFA Cup Round of 16.
Otjiwarongo based Mighty Gunners returned from Windhoek with the 2026 Standard Bank Top 8 trophy and a clear message from head coach Leonald Nambandi that success will not dull the squad’s ambition. Nambandi told The Namibian Sport that while the title was a historic milestone, the team has already switched focus to the NFA Cup and a tricky Round of 16 tie. The club advanced after a narrow 1 0 victory over Nust FC and will next face coastal side Eleven Arrows in a match the coach described as a fresh opportunity.
Nambandi stresses continued hunger after Top 8 success
Nambandi made the point that winning a marquee tournament can be as dangerous as it is uplifting because complacency can follow celebration. He said the coaching staff celebrated the achievement but immediately reminded players that trophies are earned by teams that sustain consistency and professionalism over time.
The coach emphasised that the squad has been urged to remain humble and to keep improving in training and match preparation. That approach underpins the club’s short term aim of making a meaningful run in the NFA Cup and its longer term objective of building a winning culture.
Tournament preparation differs from league campaigns
Nambandi outlined the differences between preparing for knockout football and preparing for a league campaign, noting that every cup tie carries the weight of a final. In his view, a single error in a knockout match can end a season’s hopes, so the team’s planning prioritises concentration, game management and mental strength.
Training sessions have therefore been adapted to simulate high pressure scenarios and to sharpen decision making in critical moments. The coaching staff has put additional emphasis on discipline and focus so players understand that margins are smaller in a cup competition.
Nust FC victory showed maturity and respect for the competition
Mighty Gunners reached the NFA Cup Round of 16 by beating Nust FC 1 0 in a match Nambandi said tested his side’s temperament. He praised his players for treating the fixture seriously and for demonstrating the professionalism expected of a top flight team facing motivated lower league opposition.
The narrow scoreline reflected a game in which Gunners controlled tempo and managed risk while remaining alert to counter threats. That disciplined performance reassured the coach that the squad can adjust its game plan to different styles of opponents.
Eleven Arrows presents a different kind of challenge
Looking ahead, Nambandi warned that Eleven Arrows represent a substantial step up in terms of experience and quality compared with recent opponents. He said the coastal club have the ambition and personnel to pose problems, adding that his staff will undertake a thorough analysis of Eleven Arrows’ strengths and vulnerabilities.
Preparation will include tactical work and scenario training focused on neutralising the opponent’s key players and exploiting spaces. The coach stressed that respect for the opponent must be balanced with belief in Mighty Gunners’ own methods and attributes.
Squad mentality and training intensity remain central
Inside the Otjiwarongo camp the message has been consistent, according to Nambandi: maintain a strong work ethic and push for improvement every day. He reported high levels of commitment in training, with players supporting one another and competing for places while accepting the responsibility that comes with recent success.
The coach also acknowledged there is room for improvement across several positions and in match execution, but he expressed satisfaction with the attitude shown by players, the technical team and the wider club. That collective mindset has, he said, helped turn a one off cup win into momentum the club intends to sustain.
Supporters credited as a key part of the club’s rise
Nambandi paid tribute to the supporters who, he said, stood by Mighty Gunners through difficult spells and have been rewarded by the Top 8 triumph. He underlined the psychological impact of fan backing, citing the boost it gives players during tense phases of matches.
The club has encouraged supporters to remain engaged as the NFA Cup campaign unfolds, with the coach emphasising that home and travelling fans are integral to creating the atmosphere the team needs to perform at its best. That connection between the squad and its followers forms part of a broader strategy to solidify the club’s identity.
Mighty Gunners now face a period in which measured planning will determine whether recent silverware becomes a springboard for further success. The next competitive tests will reveal if the combination of coaching, player commitment and supporter momentum can carry the club deeper into the NFA Cup and sustain higher standards across the season.
