Hold your horses ‘born-frees’. The name Klaus Linow might sound ancient but the former South West Africa (SWA) and Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) stalwart will go down in history as one of the most decorated footballers of all time.
Linow represented his motherland (Namibia) with great aplomb at Inter-Provincial level. He was in the starting line-up when the ‘All Whites’ South West Africa (SWA) Invitational Eleven confronted the visiting Eintracht Frankfurt in a sold-out exhibition match at the packed Windhoek Showground in 1964.
The merciless visitors walloped the hapless hosts by eight unanswered goals (8-0). Tellingly, there was a bit of wrangling with the staging of the match after the streetwise touring entourage tip-toed to ‘Kleine Deutschland’, cunningly disguised as tourists to their ‘adopted’ sister country floating on the African continent.
Lest we forget, previously paddling on the assumed identity of South West Africa (SWA), then the illegally designated fifth (5th) province of apartheid South Africa, Namibia fell victim to the widespread international condemnation of racial discrimination and was justifiably banned from international football by the World’s football governing body Fifa.
At club level, Hernn Linow played for local German outfit SKW and was very much involved in youth football upon retiring from playing competitive football. He was team manager for the mixed race South West Africa (SWA) Combined Schools team at the South African Inter-Provincial Youth Tournament, Cape Town, in 1982 and 1984 respectively.
Some of the prominent young ‘footies’ under his watch were Frank Fredericks, Brian Chatburn, ‘Forra’ Nicodemus, ‘Donkey’ Majiedt, Packs Uushona, Jose Viljoen, Ivan Garoeb, Muuaa Siririka, Mario Rodriques, ‘Ekaku’ Ashipembe, ‘Koko’ Muatunga, Ulf Gruttemeyer, and Jose Viljoen.
Uncle Klaus lived, ate, loved, dreamt, and slept football. He was instrumental setting up youth structures at former club ‘Immer Wieder’ (SKW), mentoring enthusiastic ‘pikininis’ in various age groups over an extended period.
Strangely, the stubborn old fox passed on an ideal opportunity to take his God-given talent to the next level. The much-sought-after ‘footie’ flatly declined a tempting offer tabled by South African Professional Football League tier one giants Cape Town City while still at the pinnacle of his flourishing football aged 23, in 1961.
RIP – Harold Max Gamseb 1965 – 2025
Harold Max Gamseb was an integral squad member Life Fighters golden generation, spearheading the ‘Purple Project’s deadly front line alongside the equally dangerous pair of Alfeus ‘Moloi’ Amadhila and Moses ‘Five’ Kandingua. ‘Kahirona’ issued a touching press release expressing profound sadness at the passing of the club legend.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Harold Max Gamseb, a true ‘Kahirona’ club legend. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and acquaintances. His spirit and legacy will always be with us”, reads the statement.
Upon retiring from playing competitive football, Gamseb turned to coaching, taking talented youngsters through the paces at exciting Etoshapoort (Outjo) youthful outfit Khaibasen FC. “Max was not just a coach but a mentor, leader and a true pillar of our team. His dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to the club left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those positively affected by his kindness and spirit.
“Let us honour his memory by continuing the work he was so passionate about and keep his legacy alive in every match, training sessions, and the great memories we shared going forward. Rest in peace coach Max, you will forever remain in our hearts,” concludes the well-crafted statement from Khaibasen FC.
RIP – Stevano Shane ‘Pano’ Dundee 2000 – 2025
Aged 25, a precious life was abruptly cut short by a reckless bullet fired through the barrel of a loaded gun, via the ‘slippery’ hand of an enraged cop after a scuffle with law enforcers. At his prime, Dundee was a promising defender who plied his trade with Khomasdal representatives Civics FC. He was a valuable squad member of the victorious National U/17 football team that clinched the Cosafa Youth Cup in Mauritius, 2016.
“It’s very sad losing a very obedient boy like him. Personally ‘Pano’ was reserved, calm and humble. A boy with a decent upbringing, he was always the first volunteer to carry the bags and heavy equipment of the medical staff during training sessions, in transit or on match days.
“On the playing field, the boy was a beast, quiet but aggressive when defending the ball.
Eish, we are all shocked but can unfortunately not question the will and wisdom of the Almighty. He will be solely missed,” narrates former NFA medical staff member Juliet Uauaa Karijahuua-Tjituka, when approached by New Era Sport to describe her work relationship with the deceased.