Zebaldt Ngaruka
Namibia Premier League outfit Ongos Valley FC signed Katoorua Titake Mbuende from Omaheke region’s Young African for at an undisclosed fee till the end of the season.
The 29-year-old centre-back also played for Tura Magic, African Stars in the country’s top-tier league, and was part of the Namibia Correctional Service team that won the Southern Stream First Division last season.
Ongos Valley FC team manager Vehonga Pule Tjiroze confirmed Mbuende’s signing, adding that the defender will bring a wealth of experience to the team comprising of young players.
“He is very vocal, which makes him very useful, especially to uplift the spirit of young players and keep them focused on the game. Mbuende is clinical with his tackles and very good on ‘one one-on-ones,” he said.
Ongos Valley FC, Tjiroze said, is a ball-playing team that prefers to start its attack from the back, and the new defender will fit in very well with the team’s style of play.
“It will be possible because of his good ball control and exceptional passing abilities.
Mbuende did this at previous clubs in the league and cup competitions, so he will bring a winning mentality to the team,” he said.
That, the manager said the new signing has a very good reputation and poses a huge threat to forwards.
“The two games he played for us over the weekend have proven that he is worth the effort Ongos went through to secure his signature. He is very good with aerial balls, and can score from corners,” Tjiroze added.
Asked how long the player’s contract is, the team manager said that cannot be disclosed at the moment.
On his part, Mbuende said he is happy to join Ongos as it is one of the best teams in the country.
“I am looking forward to a positive and joyful journey with the team,” he said.
The hard-tackling defender, who had never received calls to the senior national team, is hopeful that he will be noticed by the selectors and represent his country at the international
level.
“This is an opportunity to showcase my worth, and I will work hard to earn a call-up to the Brave Warriors,” said the product of Life Inno City FC from Omaheke region’s Otjombinde constituency.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com