The race for promotion to the Debmarine Premiership in the North East First Division concluded this past weekend as Rundu-based outfit Cuca Tops FC claimed hard-fought victories against Chief Santos FC and relegated Omuthiya United FC, respectively, with one game to spare.

Cuca Tops have now filled the last place in the country's top-tier league, with Namibia Correctional Service from the southern stream division and KK Palace from the north-west stream division also gaining promotion.

Cuca Tops went into the weekend fixtures holding a two-point lead over Oshikango Chiefs, currently second on the log, knowing that a loss for Oshikango Chiefs and wins for them would gain them promotion to the top-tier league.

The Rundu outfit, which last tasted premier league football in the 2002-03 season, will play in the top-tier league again following a 22-year absence. 

Their coach, Gundolf Mukoya, expressed excitement about leading the team to promotion but admitted that the season was challenging.

Mukoya gave credit to his players for their efforts. 

Ever present on the team, Costatino Joakim also shared the same sentiments as his coach, admitting that the season was challenging despite getting promoted. 

Oshikango Chiefs surrendered their hopes of securing premier league promotion with mixed results this past weekend, dropping three valuable points in a 4-1 defeat to Ntunguru at home, but managed a win against Kangweru Black Tops.

In the battle of relegation, K.K. United dumped Black Hawks in the relegation zone, following a 6-1 thrashing. Black Hawks and Omuthiya United are officially relegated to the second division.