Born and raised in South London, England in the United Kingdom (UK), Russell Parker started working for De Beers in 1982 in their London office, but was requested to do contract work in the then-South West Africa (SWA – Namibia). “I had always played amateur football from a young age, so when I arrived in...
Author: Carlos Kambaekwa (Carlos Kambaekwa )
Tales of the Legends – Remembering the amazing Gurirab football playing siblings
History reveals that between 1988 and the 2000s, though a little unknown to many, the Gurirab bloodline brought something truly special to the domestic football scene. Brutally told in bold letters without fear or favour, the Gurirab brothers were like manna from Heaven. They were extremely gifted with natural skill, deep football intelligence, complimented by...
Tales of the Legends – Tragedy hits Namibian football …RIP – Helmut Andreas (1970-2025), Hans Petrus (1998-2025), Dennis Tjihero (1985-2025)
The Namibian Football Association (NFA) has issued an emotional and touching press statement, expressing sorrow while sending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased, which reads as follows verbatim: “NFA is deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of two esteemed match officials Andreas and Petrus following a catastrophic motor vehicle accident last...
Tales of the Legends – Remembering ‘Rammies’ agile net-guard Frederico ‘Chicco’ Goncalves
Born Frederico Goncalves 1965 in Matadi, the chief seaport of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), capital of the Congo Central Province, adjacent to the border with Angola, young ‘Chicco’ was destined for greatness from the moment he stationed himself between the sticks. He started out with Kinshasa giants Mobari Football Club where he kept...
Tales of the Legends – Meet Nelson Luis, the ‘Langana’ of Julinho Athletic FC
Born on 3 June 1969, young Nelson Luis was introduced to the beautiful game of football at an early age, and was always a starter in the school teams in the different age categories. A speedy winger blessed with an educated left foot, young Luis demonstrated flashes of greatness whilst turning out for the Centaurus...
Tales of the Legends – Full laces with phenomenal sharpshooter Moses ‘Five’ Kandingua
Born and raised in the dusty streets of Orwetoveni residential area for native Bantus in the northern capital Otjiwarongo, young Kandingua was just like many ‘Pikininis’ his age in the township, football-crazy. He would play the game at the slightest provocation – be it in the streets, on the way to schools, or while running...
Tales of the Legends – In conversation with football playing educator Pecka Semba
A well-groomed product of the conveyer belt of the now-famous football architect Meester Willem Hans’ well drilled machine at the unofficial ‘School of Excellence’ football wise, the revered St. Joseph’s Catholic Mission Secondary School better known as Döbra, where the beautiful game of football was the common denominator amongst her subjects, young Semba is certainly destined...
Tales of the Legends – Farewell to Reds’ trusted servant ‘Abuti Yotz’ …RIP – George Gariseb 1955 – 2025
Born and raised in the sacred garden town of Okahandja, young George ‘Georgie’ Gariseb started playing competitive football for boyhood Nau-Aib outfit Spoilers Football Club, proudly following in the footsteps of his equally talented old man Gustav ‘Boesman’ Gariseb. An energetic young man of decent upbringing, Gariseb started his elementary education at the local institution...
Tales of the Legends – Double tragedy for Namibian football …RIP Charles Sikabongo Siyauya 1975-2025
Though his football credentials are sketchy, Charles Siyauya shot to fame as an uncompromising political activist mobilising support for the ruling Swapo in his native Zambezi region since his youth days, until he rose to become the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) spokesperson. Born in Schuckmansburg, Kabbe Constituency of Zambezi region on 10 March 1975,...
Tales of the Legends – Tribute to departed midfield kingpin …RIP – ‘Gotty’ Gurirab 1959 – 2025
Born in Omaruru in 1959, young Gotthardt ‘Gotty’ Gurirab found himself shifting from one town to another as his dad was a much sought-after roaming police officer who was regularly posted from one station to another. ‘Gotty’ spent a significant chunk of his childhood either in Gobabis or in Windhoek. ‘Gotty’ completed his elementary education...