For many footballers, a name is simply an identity. For Elifas Shivute, it represents a legacy that shaped Namibian football history.
Today, Vickson ‘Loco’ Shivute is determined to ensure that the famous surname continues to echo across local pitches as he carves his own path in the game.
Born in Windhoek, the 26-year-old forward currently plies his trade with KK Palace FC, while simultaneously pursuing his graduate-in-training programme in civil engineering at ALV Consulting Engineers in Ongwediva.
On the pitch, Shivute described himself as more than just a footballer.
“As a player, I combine discipline, passion and creativity. I see myself as a leader and motivator, someone who inspires others through dedication,” he said.
His football journey has taken him through several clubs, including SKW, Ramblers FC, Young Generations FC, Citizens FC, Young Brazilians FC and Eeshoke Chula-Chula.
One of the highlights of his early career came in 2018 when he featured for Ya Dong International, helping the side win the under-25 title at the prestigious Gothia Cup in China.
But beyond his club journey, it is his surname that often sparks conversation.
Sharing a name with Namibian football legend Elifas, the first Namibian footballer to play professionally in Europe, carries both honour and responsibility.
“Carrying the same surname is both an honour and a responsibility. It represents breaking barriers and proving that Namibian talent belongs on the global stage. It’s not just a name but a reminder that football can be a pathway to history,” he said.
Growing up, Shivute not only heard stories about the legendary striker.
He experienced his influence firsthand.
“I used to hear a lot about him and watch videos of how he played. My uncle and I share pace and strength. Elifas used to take me to football practice, and if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have fallen in love with the beautiful game. He made sure I started at the age of five and that I was taught by the best,” he recalled.
This season, the forward has been in impressive form for KK Palace, already netting eight goals to emerge as the club’s leading scorer.
However, he admitted that such numbers were never part of a grand target at the start of the campaign.
“My goal was simply to score more than the five goals I managed last season. But it seems God had better plans for me,” he said.
While personal achievements matter, Shivute insists that his motivation runs deeper than statistics.
The legacy attached to his surname fuels his determination every time he steps onto the pitch.
“Elifas was not just a player but a pioneer who showed the world that Namibia can produce footballers capable of competing at the highest level. That legacy reminds me that football is bigger than personal success. It’s about representing Namibia and inspiring young players,” he said.
Looking ahead, Shivute’s ambitions stretch far beyond the domestic league.
Among his key goals are representing Namibia with pride, inspiring the next generation and eventually playing professional football abroad.
Above all, he hopes to leave a mark on the game similar to the one that made the Shivute name legendary.
“My ultimate goal is that, when people hear the name Shivute, they think not only of Elifas, but also of my own contributions to Namibian football,” he said.