Thimbonde Stanley Kantana is a promising young winger, who is trying to leave his mark with Cuca Tops in the Namibian topflight. Born in Kayengona, his passion for football ignited while observing his mentor and top player Petrus Shitembi train. Despite facing challenges in developing his skills in Rundu, Kantana remained dedicated. With aspirations to represent Namibia internationally and contribute to the growth of Namibian football, he is a rising star to watch.

Can you tell us about your journey into football? How did it all begin for you? 

My journey in football began in a small village called Kayengona, where my father worked as a teacher at Maria Mwengere School. We stayed in the teachers’ houses, and it was there that I met Petrus Shitembi, who was also staying in the same area. Whenever Petrus went for training, my friend Warren and I would follow him just to watch. We’d bring along an extra ball, and play on the side while he trained. That’s where my love for the game started, and those early moments with Petrus left a lasting impact on my passion for football.

Who is your biggest influence? 

My biggest influence in my career has been Shitembi, a player I had the privilege of staying with in the same village. Watching him firsthand, both on and off the field, taught me invaluable lessons about dedication, hard work and the importance of maintaining a strong mindset. His passion for the game and his approach to challenges have had a profound impact on my own journey, and I continue to draw inspiration from him as I advance in my career.

What are your ambitions for this season? 

My ambition for this season is to continue improving both individually and as part of the team. I’m focused on building my skills, contributing more consistently, and helping the team achieve our goals. I also want to take on more leadership responsibilities, whether it’s through encouraging my teammates or stepping up when needed. Overall, I aim to make a positive impact on the field and help us reach new heights this season. 

What were some of the key challenges you faced growing up in Rundu while pursuing your dreams?

There were several key challenges I had to overcome. One of the biggest hurdles was limited access to proper facilities and resources, which made it difficult to develop my skills at the level I aspired to. Another challenge was the lack of exposure and opportunities to compete at higher levels, as the competition in the area was limited. Despite these challenges, I stayed focused and motivated, using every opportunity to train and improve. The support from my community and the drive to succeed kept me going, and I learned to make the most of the resources available to me. 

How are you finding the transition to playing in the top-flight league since Cuca Tops was promoted last season? What has been the biggest adjustment for you as a player?

The transition to playing in the top-flight league with Cuca Tops has been both challenging and rewarding. The level of competition is much higher, and every match demands more in terms of fitness, skill and focus. The pace is faster, and the pressure is greater, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity for growth. I’ve had to adjust quickly to the intensity, and I’m continuously learning from the experienced players around me. Overall, it’s been an exciting challenge, and I’m enjoying every moment as I strive to improve and contribute to the team’s success. 

What do you want to achieve personally and as a team this season? Do you have any specific goals in terms of performance or milestones you’d like to reach?

Personally, I want to continue developing my skills, and improve my consistency on the field. My goal is to become a key player for the team, contributing both in defence and attack, and to keep pushing myself to reach new levels of performance. As a team, I’m focused on helping us achieve our collective goals, whether that’s finishing higher in the league, or advancing in cup competitions. I believe in the potential of this team, and I’m determined to help us grow stronger together, supporting each other both on and off the field.

Yes, I do have specific goals in terms of performance and milestones. On a personal level, I aim to improve my stats, whether that’s increasing my goals, assists or defensive contributions, depending on my role within the team. I also want to maintain a high level of consistency throughout the season, ensuring I perform at my best in every match. In terms of milestones, I’m focused on making a significant impact in every game I play, whether that means helping the team to a top league finish, or achieving individual recognition for my performances. Ultimately, I want to keep pushing my boundaries, and become a more complete player.

What is your assessment of the team’s performance so far in the topflight league? If you had to identify one thing the team is missing or needs to improve, what would it be, and why?

Overall, the team’s performance in the league so far has been a mixed bag. While we’ve faced some challenges, particularly in terms of consistency, we’ve also shown a lot of fight and resilience in each match. We’ve been competitive, and although the results haven’t always gone our way, there have been positive moments where we’ve displayed great team spirit and determination. We know we need to improve, especially in key areas, but there’s potential within the squad, and we’re focused on learning from our experiences and improving as we move forward in the season. 

What is your take on the current state of Namibian football? 

Namibian football is showing signs of progress, but there’s still a lot of room for growth. We have talented players, and there is potential for even more success at the international level. However, there are challenges, such as a lack of infrastructure, limited resources, and the need for more development programmes to nurture young talent. I believe the local league could be more competitive with better facilities and coaching, which would help raise the level of play across the board. While there’s still work to be done, there’s hope for the future, and with more support for grassroots football, Namibian football can continue to improve.

Where do you think the game is headed, and what changes would you like to see to further develop local football talent like yourself?

I’d like to see more focus on grassroots football, starting from an even younger age. Better scouting systems, partnerships with international clubs for exposure, and more training camps or academies would help players develop their technical skills and tactical understanding. Additionally, improving the support for local coaches to ensure they have the necessary tools and knowledge to guide young players would be crucial. With these developments, Namibian football can continue to grow and compete at higher levels.

Who are your favourite players locally and internationally, and why? Are there any aspects of their game that you try to incorporate into your own playing style?

My favorite local player is Awillo Stephanus. I’ve always admired his work ethic, technical ability and leadership on the field. He’s someone who consistently gives his best, and I’ve learned a lot from watching him play. Internationally, my favorite player is Lionel Messi. His skill, vision and consistency are unmatched. I’ve always been inspired by his ability to perform at the highest level year after year, and his creativity and dedication to the game have had a huge influence on how I approach my own development as a player.

Do you aspire to one day play for the national team? What would it mean to you to wear the Brave Warriors’ jersey and represent Namibia on a bigger stage?

Yes, absolutely. It’s always been a dream of mine to represent my country and play for the national team. Being able to wear the national jersey would be a huge honour and a significant achievement in my career. I know there’s a lot of hard work ahead, but I’m fully committed to improving my game and giving my best to reach that level. Playing for the national team would not only be a personal milestone, but also a chance to contribute to the growth of football in Namibia.

Wearing the Brave Warriors shirt and representing my country would mean everything to me. It’s a dream I’ve had since I started playing football. To represent Namibia at the highest level would be a true reflection of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career. It’s not just about personal achievement, but also about making my family, community and country proud. Wearing that shirt would be a symbol of pride, responsibility and commitment to contribute to the team’s success, and inspire the next generation of footballers in Namibia.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years as a footballer? Are there any specific goals you’ve set for your career, such as playing internationally or helping your team reach new heights?

In the next few years, I see myself continuing to grow and develop as a footballer, both in terms of my skills and my overall understanding of the game. My goal is to be playing regularly at a high level, whether that’s domestically or abroad, and to be making a significant impact on the field. I also hope to be in a position where I can contribute to the development of young players, sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career. Ultimately, I want to keep pushing myself to reach my full potential, and be able to represent my country at the international level.

Yes, I’ve set several specific goals for my career. One of my main goals is to play internationally, whether it’s for the national team or at club level abroad.