The MTC HopSol keeps on producing talented players, coaches and soccer administrators, paving the way for the next generation of football excellence and leaders. 

One such referee is Saltiel Nghinyangelwa, well known as Bokkie, who recently completed his Cosafa Standard Administration and Management course. 

Born in Eenhana and raised in Windhoek, he attended Hillside Primary and Highline Secondary School in Greenwell Windhoek. 

He started playing football at a very young age, with his parents always reminding him that he used to talk about it in his sleep. “I fell in love with the game at a very young age. All I remember is playing ball every day and resorting to it in any situation. I started as a centre back and later evolved into a goalkeeper, where I could help decide on infield play. It’s a simpler position if you arrange the structure to make it easier for you,” Nghinyangelwa said. 

He always aimed to play in the Premier League, but due to his height, he resorted to goalkeeper coaching. 

“I played for different teams at the grassroots level. The last team I was attached to was the Mariental Sports Club in the first division. I am currently a goalkeeper coach at Arrows Ladies and assisting City Boys with their play-offs,” he stated. 

In 2019, he decided to switch roles when there was a shortage of officials and started assisting without undergoing an officiating course. 

“I came to do my introduction in 2021 with fitness coaches for referees for different regions. My first game was between Arrows Ladies and the NUST Babes. It was one of the most difficult games I have ever handled because the players always questioned my decisions. But in the end, the law of the game reigned supreme,” Nghinyangelwa said. 

So far, he has attended the administration and management course, plus financial reporting, which detailed how teams and football organisations should be run and what to invest in at grassroots development. 

“From my perspective, these courses are important because they mark the first step of turning football into a profession in Namibia. What’s the best way to start if not to administer and manage it right? This will also help with doing away with the stigma surrounding the sports sector in Africa,” Nghinyangelwa remarked. 

The budding referee joined the MTC HopSol team in 2021 to give Namibian children a chance to play. 

“I would like for more people to join Hopsol – whether it’s by sponsoring, playing, coaching or supporting the league, because it’s playing our next generation out of the streets and giving them a sense of direction while they get to choose their lifetime careers,” he pointed out. 

Nghinyangelwa said the most difficult job of being a referee is having to make a decision in a split second and upholding the laws of the game without emotions involved. 

“And there comes a time when you are placed in the younger age groups, where you are required to be a parent, teacher, medic and referee at the same time – but in the end, it’s in the job description,” he added. 

He plans on undergoing more courses of this nature to improve his knowledge on the game. Most importantly, enrol to do a bachelor’s in sports science. 

“Even though it seems out of reach due to a lack of funds and the fact that we don’t currently have that course in any of our institutions in the country, I hope that won’t be the case in future,” he ended. 

– slunyangwe@nepc.com.na