Okahandja United has appointed veteran coach Woody Jacobs as their new technical advisor, with immediate effect. The announcement comes as the club looks to strengthen its performance with just nine matches remaining in the Debmarine Namibia Premiership season.
Jacobs will work closely with the existing technical team to inject tactical experience and leadership into the first team. His primary task is to help the club finish the season strongly, and avoid slipping further down the table.
In addition to his first-team duties, he will spearhead the launch of a youth development programme for boys and girls – an initiative the club describes as vital to its long-term strategy. The programme aims to invest in grassroots’ football and nurture young Namibian talent, ensuring a sustainable future for the club and the national football ecosystem.
The appointment comes shortly after Jacobs’ brief stint with Bucks Buccaneers, which ended following a 3-2 defeat to Tigers – ironically, the same club he previously managed before joining Bucks in January this year.
Responding to perceptions that he frequently changes clubs, Jacobs was candid: “Respectfully, I didn’t move around. I was unemployed. There’s no moving when there’s no job. Coaches in this country are mistreated and disrespected. Yet, we are expected to deliver results without proper support.
He further questioned the double standards in how local coaches are perceived. “Coaches are mistreated disrespected, yet our skills are required. Ronnie (Kanalelo) coached Unam, African Stars and now Bucks in less than a calendar year, but nobody is talking about him. The same with James Britz – he coached Tigers, Bucks now he is back at Tigers. Do a story on why coaches are being treated in the manner they are hired fired, re-hired without anybody crying foul. We work without the proper tools of the job, without contracts and even when there is a contract, it’s ignored,” he said.
Okahandja United chairman Johannes “Congo” Hindjou welcomed Jacobs’ arrival, saying his experience and football acumen will be a much-needed asset in both the short and long-term. “We are proud to bring coach Jacobs on board at this crucial point of the season. His knowledge and passion for football development align perfectly with our vision. We believe he will add value to the first team and help build a lasting foundation for our youth initiative,” Hindjou said.
Further details regarding the youth development programme will be shared in the coming weeks, the club confirmed.
With a resume that includes stints at top Namibian clubs such as African Stars, Black Africa, Tura Magic, and Civics, Jacobs brings seasoned expertise and a reputation for pushing teams to exceed expectations. His new role could be the turning point Okahandja United needs as they look to salvage their season and build a more sustainable football future. Okahandja United are 10th on the log after the weekend’s matches. The log is led by African Stars with 40 points from 21 matches played, followed by Khomas NamPol and Young African tied in second place with 37 points from 21 matches, they are separated by goal difference. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na