Like many of his peers, Sam Salomo-Emvula started his football career in the lower division with exciting youthful outfit Golden Rivers Football Club, an unofficial feeder team for the already well-established big brother ‘Ingwe-Inyama’.
The team was loaded with an avalanche of talent way beyond imagination, and though Emvula was not amongst the club’s blue-eyed boys, the strongly-built, versatile ‘footie’ was not a walkover either. ‘Mitou’ was a very intelligent athlete. He developed a habit of scoring few beauties from long range via his well-educated right boot.
His unavoidable arrival at ‘Ingwe’ coincided with the club’s transformation from the old guard to the new breed of highly-gifted youngsters, shepherded by dead-ball specialist, the great Hartmut Ndapewa ‘Bricks’ Angula, bone-crunching tallish centre-back Samuel ‘Tiwi’ Kaundje, calculated midfield general Nathaniel ‘Alele’ Kapule, clinical net-buster Frans ‘Forra’ Nicodemus, dribbling wizard Helmut ‘Teenage’ Iyambo, cool-as-cucumber all-rounder Oscar Hiskia, pocket-size bullterrier ‘Seun’ Taylor, and few other youngsters of remarkable pedigree.
‘Mitou’ boasts a filthy-rich football resume, having won multiple silverware with ‘Ingwe’ that includes the coveted NSSL title, NFA Cup gold medallist, and many high-profile accolades during his illustrious football career.
RIP – Pius Hummel 1957 – 2024
One of multiple football-playing Hummel siblings, Pius Hummel was a devastating left-footed winger, comfortably operating down the flank or in the middle of the park. Sadly, the brother has taken a bow from the game of life, just 15 days shy of his 67th birthday, to be precise. May his soul rest in eternal peace in one piece.
He was younger brother of former Eleven Arrows lethal goalpoacher ‘Fonie’, Black Africa’s bit-part squad member ‘Stoeier’, Orlando Pirates’ versatile defender ‘Alu’, and younger brother Browny Hummel. Pius played most of his club football with boyhood teams Flying Eagles and Black Marroko Chiefs (BMC), respectively.
Lest we forgot, the easily-adjustable left footed ‘footie’ enjoyed a short-lived stint with Katutura giants Orlando Pirates Football Club. Old man of noted ‘footie’ former Brave Warriors defender Big George Hummel, the versatile Pius was a reliable all-rounder, playing as an attacker.
He often shifted between the sticks and without a shadow of doubt ranks amongst the finest, well-polished footballers to have ever emerged from Aimablaagte residential area. His sudden death has sent shockwaves amongst the large community of Mariental ,including those associated with the beautiful game of football. Upon learning about the shocking departure of Pius Hummel, Mariental Sport Club acted swiftly and was quick out of the blocks sending a well-crafted touching tribute to the bereaved family, comforting them warmly for the sad loss of their loved one.
The professionally-run club describes Hummel as a true son of the soil, whose contribution towards the rapid development and overall growth of football in the entire Hardap region is immeasurable. The emotional statement reads as follows Verbatim;
‘The passing of Pius Hummel, fondly known as ‘Bro Pius’, is a profound loss for all who knew him, and the broader football community he so dearly inspired. Bro Pius was not only a talented footballer, but indeed a beacon of passion, dedication and undying love for the game.
Hummel’s remarkable journey from the dusty streets of Aimablaagte to transitioning into a well-respected athlete for leading teams Flying Eagles, Orlando Pirates and Black Marroko Chiefs (BMC) reflects not only his undying commitment towards the game, but more importantly the spirit of resilience and hard work. Bro Pius played the game with tremendous pride, laying a strong foundation for the generations that followed in his footsteps. His overall insights of the game, significance of playing for the love of rather than financial rewards, and his perspective on the evolution of football bear testimony to the enduring values that he bravely championed.
His legacy will live on not just in the memories of those he played with, but in the hearts of young aspiring footballers inspired by his story. Please take note that our thoughts are with you and the entire bereaved family as we navigate this sad loss of a great man of substance.
May you find comfort in the great memories you shared, and unconditional love surrounding you in this difficult period of pain and sorrow. Please accept our deepest sympathy, from Mariental Sport Club’.