From local fields to international level, this is Tjipenandjambi Carl Karuuombe’s journey in football. 

This publication sat with the star, and this is what he shares regarding his football journey.

Most memorable match: So far, I would say it is the World Cup qualifiers match against Liberia.

Biggest disappointment: When I got injured while training with the national team last year ,around August.

Favourite footballer:  I don’t have one right now but growing up, I liked Argentina’s Messi a lot.

Can you share a bit about your background, and how you started playing football? 

My love for the beautiful game began at home. I grew up surrounded by footballers, constantly watching matches and hearing stories about the sport. I played in the yard, honing my dribbling skills, and eventually joined the Suiderhof school football team. From there, I progressed to DTS, then played for my high school, St. Paul’s. Afterwards, I joined KFA and represented the Khomas regional team at both the U/17 and U/20 levels.

My passion for football continued as I moved to South Africa to study, where I played for three years, representing the U/20 national team, the U/23 team, and eventually the senior team in 2022. In 2023, I had a brief stint in the Czech Republic before returning home to join Unam.

Who inspired you to pursue a career in football, and did you have any family members who were also footballers?

I come from a family that has a deep love for sports. My dad played and still plays, even though not professionally. My mom played both soccer and netball, and my uncles were accomplished athletes as well, having won the Newspaper Cup and played premier league football. This family environment is where my love for the game originates. Additionally, growing up with older cousins who were passionate about football also significantly contributed to my enthusiasm for the sport.

How do you feel about the current state of Namibian football? Do you believe it’s moving in the right direction? What makes you say so?

I believe our football is in a good place, showing clear progress and moving in the right direction. This is evident from our national team’s strong performances over the past year, the increasing number of players moving to better leagues abroad, and our improvement in the latest Fifa rankings.

As a player for Unam Football Club, how has your experience been with the club so far?

It has honestly been great! The brotherhood among the players at Unam made everything smoother, as I had played with or against many of them at the youth level. This familiarity helped us gel quickly and work well together.

You were one of the vital players for Namibia in the Cosafa Cup this year. How would you describe the tournament, and what lessons did you learn from it?

Cosafa was a valuable experience for us. We learned a lot both individually and as a group. With many debutants on the team, we got a firsthand taste of international football, the intensity, quality, technical and tactical aspects, and the crucial role of mentality.

Scoring a crucial goal for Namibia during a World Cup qualifier against Liberia on your senior debut must have been a memorable moment. How did that feel, and what did the goal mean to you?

It was surreal! I never expected to score my first national team goal so early in my career. It’s truly a game I’ll never forget.

Given your potential and the right mentorship, where do you see yourself playing in the next three years?

If all goes well and God allows, I hope to be playing somewhere outside the country in the next few years.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Namibian football today, and how can they be addressed?

I believe the biggest challenge we face is our mentality and approach to the game.

What advice would you give to young, aspiring footballers in Namibia who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?

My advice to young football players is to work extremely hard and give it their all. If you can conceive it in your mind, you can achieve it. But remember, it takes a tremendous amount of effort and dedication.

Can you walk us through your typical training routine? What specific drills or exercises do you focus on?

I don’t have an overly complex routine. I wake up, go to the gym, and then train with Unam in the afternoon. My gym sessions focus primarily on strength training, but I avoid going too heavy to ensure I’m in top shape for the weekend games.

Who is your best friend when you’re with the national team, and how has this friendship influenced your experience on the team?

I wouldn’t say I have a best friend in the national team, but I’m usually with the guys I’ve known from the junior national teams. We have a longer history together compared to the other players.

      Quick quiz

Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo or Mbappe? Vinicius Junior

Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta or Erik ten Hag? Pep Guardiola

Man United, Chelsea or Arsenal? Manchester United 

Nike, Puma or Adidas? Adidas 

Instagram, Twitter or Tik-Tok? Instagram

Apple Music or Spotify? Apple Music