Limba Mupetami
Head coach of the Brave Warriors, Collin Benjamin, has expressed his satisfaction with the increasing number of Namibian players securing opportunities to play football abroad.
He believes that the exodus of players to foreign clubs will benefit the national team by broadening the pool of experienced talent available for selection.
Benjamin, who recently returned from the Cosafa Cup tournament in South Africa, where the Brave Warriors clinched a silver medal, emphasised the significance of these international moves.
“This is better for the country as it bolsters the pool of experienced players to pick from,” he said. He added that playing abroad ensures that players receive regular, high-quality training and are driven to prove themselves. “They come with experience, and that’s what we need for them to survive in Africa.”
Several Namibian players have already made significant moves to clubs outside the country.
Rewaldo Prins, the 21-year-old, who finished as the joint-top scorer in Namibia’s recently-concluded domestic season, has signed with Marumo Gallants. The club’s recent acquisition of Moroka Swallows facilitated their return to the top- flight of South African football for the upcoming season.
Prins confirmed his move, stating that he was ready to start a new chapter.
Lubeni Haukongo is headed to newly-promoted outfit Shamakhi FK in Azerbaijan as his contract expired with Cape Town Spurs.
Edward Maova, the Namibian goalkeeper, has joined Golden Arrows from Amatuks.
Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Mapenzi Muwanei and Gerson Paulus are currently undergoing trials at Baroka FC in South Africa.
Denver Meyer is set to join Morupule Wanderers in the Botswana League.
Namibians in South Africa
There are about 16 Namibian players currently playing in the South African Premier League: Lloydt Kazapua (Sekhukhune United), Virgil Vries (La Masia), Riaan Hanamub (Amazulu), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates), Ananias Gebhardt (Baroka, retired from national team), Edmar Kamatuka (Sekhukhune United), Prins Tjiueza (Cape Town City), Aprocius Petrus (Cape Town City), Elmo Kambindu (Chippa United), Bethuel Muzeu (Black Leopards), Joslin Kamatuka (Maritzburg United), Paulus Shikongo (The Boys), Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns) and JayJay Kordom (Jacksa Spears).
Namibians in Botswana
Approximately 12 Namibian players are plying their trade in the Botswana Premier League: Ivan Kamberipa (Orapa United), Dynamo Fredricks (Jwaneng Galaxy), Marcel Papama (Township Rollers), Denver Meyer (Morupule Wanderers), Marius Kotze (Sau Flamingoes FC), Romeo Kasume (Matebele), Romin Berndt (Masitaoka), Wendell Rudath (Jwaneng Galaxy), Richard Gonzalez Tsuseb (Police XI), Derl Goagoseb (Matebele), McCartney Nawaseb (Matebele) and Bester Useb (Orapa United).
Another international player
Another player who plays abroad is Ryan Nyambe, who plays for Derby County in England.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na