Zebaldt Ngaruka
Eric Quest, a former star player for Black Africa and African Stars, remains active in soccer years after retiring from professional football.
The 57-year-old was one of the best midfielders the country has produced.
He has assisted numerous goals for both African Stars and BA during his playing days.
The legend currently runs his own football academy, Quest Eleven, where he coaches and mentors young players across several age groups.
New Era Sport caught up with the legendary player to shed light on his academy and career background.
“I am still on the pitch and investing in the future of Namibia’s young talent,” said the Windhoek born footballer.
The legend, who retired in 2004, added that his academy, established in 2023, is composed of U/9, U/11, U/13, U/15 and U/17.
It aims to produce technically good players for the national teams. “These are young lads, who will one day represent the country. I am proud to play a part in their lives. I am giving them exposure, and I am confident that the country will reap from this talent in future,” he said.
Quest said the academy produced one player for the national U/15 team, Eric Quest Junior, a highlight.
Another academy highlight is reaching the finals of the 2023 Julinho Athletic FC u/12 tournament.
“We lost the final, but our players gained valuable experience. It was a great feeling to reach that far in a highly competitive environment,” he said. Quest added that football is now more commercialised, with players wanting rewards before playing.
“This is totally different from our era. In our days, despite having limited resources, we played with an immense sense of passion and pride for the jersey,” he shared.
When asked what he missed about playing football, he said it was the roar of the crowd as he entered the pitch.
“That was an amazing feeling, and one could notice that we were appreciated by the supporters. It signalled the good work we did on the field,” he said.
Representing Namibia at all levels, captaining the senior national team, and winning trophies with BA are Quest’s career highlights.
He mentioned Nelson Mandela as his most influential person, citing that Mandela reminded him to use football to unite players as a coach.
“My focus should not solely be on coaching, but I have to build their character. I have to show them that they can overcome any obstacle, no matter how long it takes,” he said.
At the local level, Quest named his teammates, who made the game easy for him, including David Snewe, Lucky Bostander, Mike Classen, Bernard Diocothle, Brian Isaacs, Stanley Louw, Smithley Engelbrecht and Bonny Paulino.
At the international level, he remembered Eliphas ‘Kambuta’ Shivute, Bobby Samaria, Ronnie Kanalelo, Brian Greaves and Foresta Nicodemus.
Additionally, he said the late Lazarus Kinda Sorrento Bucs was one of the opponents who gave him a tough time on the pitch. Furthermore, he advised aspiring players aiming for football success to stay disciplined both on and off the field.
“You must set clear goals for yourself and always maintain the right attitude toward life. Even your financial discipline is key in your success,” he advised.
Despite being on the pitch with the youngsters, Quest is a part-time cattle farmer in the Mariental district.