By Eveline de Klerk
WALVIS BAY- As widely speculated, recently crowned MTC Premiership golden boot award winner, Hendrik ‘Ballack’ Somaeb, has joined South African Professional Soccer League (PSL) outfit Free State Stars.
The 22-year old speedy striker, signed a lucrative 3-year deal with Stars where he will be reunited with Brave Warriors team mate Rudolf Bester, who earlier this week signed with the club after contract negotiations with his former club Orlando Pirates fell through.
Somaeb will also be in the company of another old face in the shape of former Warriors mentor, Tom Saintfiet. LHU Blue Waters confirmed the player’s departure during a brief ceremony in Walvis Bay, on Tuesday and said Somaeb has signed a contract with Stars but declined to mention the transfer fee.
The boyish looking Somaeb was instrumental in saving the seasiders from the jaws of relegation during the 2013/2014 term. He netted 17 goals to finish on top of the goal scoring charts. The youngster donated N$50, 000 from his undisclosed sign- on fee to the club and N$5 000 apiece to his former schools whom he believed have laid the foundation for his football career.
Quizzed how he feels about playing professional football in the PSL, Somaeb said he is happy that his hard work has finally paid off, adding that he was determined to become one of the best footballers in the history of Namibian football.
Meanwhile New Era also learnt that Da Costa Angula, captain of Black Africa, will also join Somaeb at Free State Stars on a 2 year contract.