Kuvee Kangueehi On Wednesday, January 31, it was Robbie Savage’s birthday. Mr Savage, or Robbie as he is affectionately known by thousands of Namibians, turned 40. Fortunately, his last birthday did not go unnoticed like the previous 39. Ramblers FC, his present club, decided to throw a party for him at their upmarket clubhouse. The night belonged to Robbie and, from the welcoming to the closing remarks by the master of ceremonies, it was all Robbie. The birthday boy was also given a few minutes to say something. Almost in tears, Robbie said that on Wednesday morning he knelt down and gave thanks to Almighty God. Speaking off the cuff, Robbie delivered a short, well-crafted but emotional speech. He firstly observed all protocol, proving that he has learned from attending all functions locally and internationally. He noted that his parents were not there, but thanked the Ramblers FC management and players, as well as the media. Mark Kurtzner from Ramblers gave us a short history about Robbie saying he was born 40 years ago in Windhoek. He started his primary school at St Andrew’s in Khomasdal and was a classmate of fellow celebrity, Frankie Fredericks. Kurtzner apologized on behalf of Frankie and said the former sprinter could not make it because he is out of the country. Afterwards it was a rather a cool evening and everybody enjoyed themselves. However, what struck me the most was the contribution Robbie has made to the football fraternity in general. Mr Savage adds colour to Namibian football and embodies the spirit of the Brave Warriors. He is the twelfth player we all look for when we enter the stadium. His passion and loyalty to the national team cannot be matched. During the bitter cold winter nights and hot summer afternoons, Robbie would be patrolling the touchline with the national flag in one hand and a warm beer in the other. He would lead the celebrations and be inconsolable in defeat. The longest-serving member of the national team has not once missed a Brave Warriors game. And he does all this without any means. He is not on the NFA payroll and does everything voluntarily, depending on the goodwill of people for his survival. He is bigger than the entire Brave Warriors Supporters Club and has not asked for a penny or for sponsorship to support Namibian football. Maybe he has contributed more towards promoting football than many people on payrolls. In his own way, he has touched the lives of so many people. He has shared a joke here and there, brought a smile or insulted many people in this country. While people claim that life begins at forty, Robbie has lived a life and made his contribution. Many of us do not recognize his role, but if we sit back and reflect, he definitely brings a smile to the faces of many. Long Live Robbie! And Many Happy Returns!