Zebaldt Ngaruka
Omaheke footballer Apollo Hangero parted ways with the Namibia Football Premier League (NPFL) outfit, Khomas Nampol FC, after a 12-year stint at the club.
The 32-year-old defender, a club legend, joined Khomas Nampol FC in the second division and helped the team earn promotion to the elite league. His contribution led to a police job, as he is a police officer by profession.
New Era Sports interviewed Hangero about his football career, recalling memories and achievements with Khomas Nampol FC.
Hangero said it was not an easy decision, but he was prompted by work and family matters.
“It was a tough decision, but I have decided to quit Premier League football. I am deployed in the Omaheke region, and it was not easy for me to show full commitment to the team,” he said.
Hangero said he achieved a lot with the police team, adding that he helped the team earn promotion from the lower divisions to the NPFL.
“One of my highlights is that I have won three different Namibian Police Championships as a reservist player,” he said.
The versatile player, sometimes a forward, will play in lower-division leagues in Omaheke to improve his fitness.
“I am not ending my career; I will be playing for Omaheke Nampol and would like to help the team and the young players to achieve their goals. I would also like to be an exemplary to the young players in the team who want to follow in our footsteps,” said Hangero.
He said his main goal is to see Omaheke Nampol FC in the Premier League. He also thanked Khomas Nampol FC’s management, staff, and players for their support during his time at the club.
“I really appreciate everything, and special thanks go to team coach Fortune Eichab, Touchit Eichab, and Erastus Hashipala for helping me throughout my football career,” he acknowledged.
Hangero said he played many memorable games for Khomas Nampol but wouldn’t do justice to them all, as he might forget some.
“I contributed a lot to this club since the second division, and one of the memorable matches was at the promotion playoffs in Mariental against Eastern Chiefs from Gobabis. We won the match,” he said.
Another memorable moment was the team’s promotion to the Premier League.
“This was a tough game against Young African FC at Legare Stadium in Gobabis in 2015. We ended up losing that game 1-0 courtesy of Pangaa Kandaera’s goal,” he said.
In the Premier League, Hangero recalled the match against FC Ongos when he scored his first Premier League goal last season.
Hangero recalled it was a great experience to score, likening it to a baptism. He also scored against Mighty Gunners FC away in Otjiwarongo and Julinho Athletic FC in Rundu, and netted against African Stars FC at SKW Sport Field during the 2024/25 season.