From the dusty streets of Groot Aub to the bright lights of the Debmarine Premier League, 25-year-old Giovanni “Cruz” Engelbrecht is making waves in Namibian football. 

The Bucks Buccaneers forward has been hailed as one of the country’s most promising talents by his coach Woody Jacobs. 

His journey is marked by determination and relentless hunger to succeed. 

Engelbrecht’s football story began at a young age, playing for Mighty Pirates – a club founded by his father in 2002. 

Competing in local tournaments, such as the Kasi Cup in the Khomas constituency, he quickly developed a reputation as a skilful and prolific attacker. 

However, it was in 2022 that he truly announced himself to the football fraternity. 

That year, he was named Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer at the Kasi Cup, catching the attention of veteran coach Jacobs, who was then at the helm of Orlando Pirates. 

Recognising Engelbrecht’s potential, Jacobs took an interest in the young forward, a move that would later start his budding career. 

Now in the realm of Bucks Buccaneers, he has continued to prove his doubters wrong. 

This season, alone, he has already found the back of the net once in the league, provided two assists and scored a goal in the MTC Maris Cup. 

While some critics doubted his ability to reach the premier league without academy experience or first-division exposure, Engelbrecht defied expectations. 

He made the leap directly from local football to the top tier. 

“For me, the biggest challenge was leaving home and adjusting to life in Windhoek. It was tough at first, but my teammates at Buccaneers welcomed me like family. People always said I wouldn’t make it to the premier league without an academy background, but I proved them wrong. Football is unpredictable – it’s about believing in yourself,” he said. 

Engelbrecht grew up idolising the great Nama players who dominated Namibian football in their prime, namely Riaan Cloete, Edian Beukes, Klaas Blom and the late Bernardus ‘Berries’ Rooi. 

Watching top-flight players grace his hometown during local tournaments only strengthened his dream of one day playing in the country’s elite league. 

“I always knew I was going to make it. It’s every little boy’s dream to play in the top division. Seeing Brave Warriors stars come to Groot Aub showed me that anything is possible,” he reflected. 

His biggest supporters remain his family, particularly his father, who never misses a game. 

“Having my father in the stands, along with my close friends, pushes me to give my all. Their belief in me keeps me going,” he added. 

His immediate goal is to maintain his form this season, help Bucks Buccaneers lift silverware, and ultimately secure a move abroad. 

“My dream is to play internationally, but I know it takes time. I trust in God’s plan for my career. Right now, I just want to stay consistent and help my team achieve success,” he said. 

Jacobs has no doubt that Engelbrecht is destined for greater things. 

“He comes from an unfamiliar footballing background, but he made a name for himself in 2022. He’s one of the most direct players in recent times, incredibly humble and disciplined. He doesn’t drink or smoke. I truly believe he will go far,” he stated. 

Engelbrecht will be in action on Saturday in the Maris Cup when his side takes on African Stars at 17h00 at the Mariental Sports Stadium. 

However, before this clash, Unam will face Young African at 14h00. 

These matches might not take place due to the mourning period of Sam Nujoma. 

Government has instructed that all sporting events and gatherings be suspended. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na