Woody Jacobs has been appointed as the new head coach of Namibian Premier League team Ramblers FC.
The 35-year-old, who was fired last season at WesBank Tigers after the second round and later managed to keep Eleven Arrows in the top-flight, signed a two-year contract with Ramblers.
For two executive members of his new club, Jorgé and Nelson da Purificaҫáo, Jacobs is not a stranger.
“In 2006, Jorgé and I were both assistant coaches of Helmuth Scharnowski, when we won the NPL title with Civics, while Nelson was on board as the financial director”, recalls Jacobs.
Now the trio wants to start a new era at Ramblers. During his official presentation at the club house in Pionierspark on Monday night, Jacobs was given a clear task: To improve last season`s seventh place finish.
“We have a two year plan and the first step is to push back into the top six”, said Jorgé da Purificaҫáo, who coached the team last season after Dino Ballotti was fired early in the second round. “If everything goes well, we might compete for the league title again the following season.”
About twelve players of last season`s squad are expected to stay on board, amongst them the club`s top goal scorer Emilio Martin. “He has a contract with us until the end of next season, so unless we get a really good offer, he will continue to play for Ramblers”, da Purificaҫáo explained.
Jacobs is planning to bring in some young prospects, however, he is reluctant to mention names at this stage. “We will announce these matters once everything is confirmed.”
The young coach is convinced that his tenure with Ramblers will not be as short-lived as previous stints with other clubs. “I have worked with Ramblers` directors before and know that we will form a good team.”
Jacobs is expecting an interesting season and is already looking forward to it. His goal with Ramblers is to end in a respectable position.
“The league winner will be one of the big four from Katutura. The remaining eight clubs are going to compete in their own league, where we will aim for top honours. Anything above that would be a bonus.”