The son of forgotten football icon Ndapewa Simon Hiskia, famously known as ‘Sisingi’ in football circles, young Uushona was destined to become a noted footballer in his own right. 

After all, he was born into a sporting loving family that has produced great footballers and netballers. Uncles Tives, Nandos, Jeff, Nairo, Shaka Mbako, nephews Grey, Ringo, Kumi Umati, Pele Isaacs, and aunt Nampa Mbako- Pescha, were all formidable athletes in their own right at different intervals. 

Born in Namibia’s commercial capital, Windhoek, in a home riddled with constant harassment from trigger-happy police officers keeping a close watch of his politically motivated, unyielding old man, Sisingi, it was only logical that his parents resolved to move him out of the toxic environment. 

Young Uushona was posted to Gibeon, south west of Mariental in the southern part of the country, to start his elementary education at the AMEPS Private School in the late 80s. 

It was at this establishment that young Uushona began to demonstrate sporting talent that belied his tender age. 

Apart from being a gifted footballer, the well-built young boy was a mean sprinter, always in the habit of showing his competitors a clean pair of heels on the athletic track. Upon completing his primary education, Uushona was relocated to the city of bright lights (Windhoek), to further his academic aspirations at the Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School in Katutura. 

His next stop was the Polytechnic of Namibia, which is now Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), where he read towards a two-year course in journalism. However, circumstances beyond his control curtailed his long-held desire to obtain a degree in media studies. 

In the meantime, the quicksilver fullback is forced with a newly established youthful outfit, the African Blizzards Football Club. 

However, after one and a half seasons with the Blizzards, his romance with the youthful outfit was abruptly abbreviated when big brother Tigers came knocking on the door for his precious signature. 

His arrival at Ingwe coincided with the clean out of the old guard, making way for new blood that went on to be scripted in the club’s history as the golden generation. 

Uushona was thrown right into the Tigers’ cage, occupying the left back position, often playing across all positions in the team’s well-oiled rearguard. His lightning speed and timely tackles made him a feared opponent, sending shivers running riot in the bellies of dangerous attackers. 

His trademark man marking was out of this world. Off the field, Uushona was a true leader and a very good jolly fellow who always kept his teammates in high spirits. 

His hard to ignore presence in the Tigers defensive line steered Ingwe to double victories in the coveted NFA Cup. He scored the match’s winning goal against Liverpool in the closely contested Metropolitan Cup final. 

Working experience 

Unlike many of his peers, Uushona did not wait for football to leave him wobbling on tired legs; he resolved to quit the game while still at the pinnacle of his flourishing football career. 

Uushona continued his passion for the media by joining Namibia Press Agency (Nampa), where he occupied the plum portfolio of photographer-cum-journalist under the tutelage of Mocks Shivute at the state media giant. 

After 13 years of uninterrupted service, Uushona developed itchy feet and left the ship, only to resurface at the sister institution, the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), as a senior cameraman accompanying the presidential delegation on several foreign trips. 

The calculated young man of decent upbringing spent 21 years with NBC before voluntarily opting for early retirement to concentrate chiefly on livestock farming and other business ventures. 

On a rather parting shot, the retired defender expressed dissatisfaction with the Tigers’ current position in the country’s flagship league. Tigers are languishing in the relegation zone, and unless a miracle happens, the country’s longest surviving football team could lose their Premiership status. 

It looks like these boys don’t understand the culture and history of this great institution. I’m shivering with anger thinking about the club’s stalwarts who have gone the way of all flesh. 

They must be turning in their graves watching their precious assets being destroyed in such brutal fashion.