Windhoek — While football clubs abroad and elsewhere are busy flashing their cheque books during the January transfer window period, local clubs appear reluctant to reinforce the ranks of their playing personnel.

With the newly introduced and strict provisions of the Namibian Football Association (NFA) that prohibit wealthy clubs from snatching promising youngsters from the so-called minnow clubs for a song - some of the country's leading football clubs are kicking their heels in frustration since they are now unable to beef up their squads ahead of the second round.

African Stars' much-travelled mentor Ali Akan, on a mission to wrestle the coveted MTC Premiership League title from reigning champions Black Africa, says as much as he would like to reinforce his squad - his hands remain tied because of limited funds to compete in the transfer market.

"Unlike in the old days when clubs could approach players, things have changed completely nowadays and it's going to be extremely difficult for any club to enter the transfer market given the current status quo," charged the outspoken Akan.

Nevertheless, Akan remains convinced that he has a squad capable of living up to his ultimate mandate, which is to dethrone Black Africa and to end their dominance in domestic football, come the end of the season.

With only a point separating table-topping Stars and defending champions Black Africa at the top of the summit - Akan is confident his charges would keep the momentum and go all the way to claim the league title after a two-year barren spell in top flight football.

As it stands, any team in the top four can still win the title with rank outsiders FNB Orlando Pirates and Ramblers likely to stake a serious challenge with very little pressure on their shoulders to win the coveted league title.

Meanwhile, people with intimate knowledge of the inner doings at Ramblers say the Tunschel Street Boys are determined to challenge for the elusive league title. Rammies are apparently in the process of signing a top striker from Nigeria.

The mid-table trio of Tigers, Civics and LHU Blue Waters might be a distant shot behind in the pecking order, but they could have a bigger role to play than meets the eye in the final destination of the 2012/2013 MTC Premiership League title.