Zebaldt Ngaruka
Namibia’s promising footballer, Katjijari Choice Mbangura, said he was born into a family of great football legends, and that football was a homemade dish.
Mbangura’s father, Choice Kambutiki Tjerivanga, was a prolific goalscorer for Ramblers, Life Fighters FC, African Stars, Ovinjuru FC, Maroon Brothers, Kilus Eleven, and Epukiro All-Stars, while his brother, Smith Zeemo Tjerivanga, also played football for Tigers FC, Ovinjuru FC and Maroon Brothers U/13.
The duo also represented Omaheke region’s youth team at the national level, where they won several accolades in the then-popular Coca-Cola Cup competition.
Mbangura’s matrimonial DNA comprises Black Africa (BA), Kilus Eleven legend Moses Muure Katjiteo, Kaute Mbangura of Invincible FC, Ovazeu Mbangura (national u/20), Rinouzeu Katjiteo (BA), and Blacky Mbangura, who played for Omaheke U/20 and Eastern Swallows in his native Okomumbonde village.
The 21-year-old made headlines after scoring a goal in a high-profile match against Namibia Football Premier League (NPFL) reigning champions African Stars at a fully packed Legare Sports Stadium in Gobabis, which was his debut match for Young African FC.
New Era Sports caught up with Mbangura to shed light on his promising football career.
“I never chose football; football chose me, and football is my DNA. It automatically became my favourite thing to do,” said Mbangura.
Mbangura grew up in the heart of Katutura, on Shanghai Street, brought up by his grandmother.
His football chemistry began early at Van Rhyn Primary School (PS), when he won his first-ever medal with the school’s U/13 football team.
“I then went to Rocky Crest High School (HS), where I met friends, fell in love with the game even more and won several accolades with the school team. I went to complete my grade 12 at Centaurus High School, where I was playing for the school team as well,” he said.
Mbangura described his career as complicated, with years he felt on top thanks to performances in the Namibian Newspaper Cup and local teams.
“Then there were situations where I lost confidence and did not play to my full potential. I was always mocked, insulted and given funny nicknames. They doubted and did not believe me, and that fuels me. I was fortunate enough to stop believing in myself and my abilities,” he said.
Mbangura appreciated the coaches at Prolific Sports Club in Windhoek who believed in him and gave him a chance to express himself.
“This was a genuine chance, and I am grateful for my friend Matumbisa Kangootui, who was always there for me during my bad days. He always saw potential in me and positivity more than I could see sometimes,” he said.
The 21-year-old also played for African Stars FC U/21, SKW U/21, and Omaheke U/20.
Mbangura said his Premier League debut against African Stars FC is the most memorable game of his career.
“This was a special match as I came from the bench and rescued my team against African Stars FC, which is my childhood dream team. I don’t know if there is anyone who has scored on their debut before, but this is something that I am going to cherish for a long time,” said.
The attacking player recalled helping SKW win against Kasaona FC in the Bank Windhoek U/21 final last year, scoring in the final moments.
“My most memorable club is the Prolific club because those were my academy years where I hailed and learned,” he said.
Mbangura admires fellow Omaheke footballer Uetuuru Kambato, who plays in Europe, adding that he has a similar mindset.
“I always ask for advice from him, and he is one of the exemplary players of this generation. He is very composed and possesses a good sense of humour,” he said.
On the challenges of playing league football, Mbangura said the limited time to do other things is the major challenge.
“Football often challenges our important aspects in life, like family and school. I am a varsity student, and playing football sometimes makes you change the rationale of work to be done,” he said.
Mbangura views his strength as his ability to shoot with both feet and his physical strength to hold the ball in position.
“I think my speed and keen eye for the goal are some of my strengths in the field,” said the player who netted seven goals for Yangile in preseason friendlies and one on his Premier League debut.
Regarding his season goals and targets, he aims to improve as an individual, work hard, and earn more minutes to express his style of play and help his team in every way possible.
“After my recent trials with Cape Town Spurs in South Africa (SA), I am being pushed to work harder and compete with the game’s best players,” he said. -zngaruka@yahoo.com