He came, saw and courageously conquered a previously uncharted territory, and in the process placed his life on tenterhooks with the notorious trigger-happy Bowker Boys.  

An upright man of strong principles, a steadfast community activist and an uncompromising politician, Conradie was indeed a jack of all trades in many spheres of life. 

Famously going by the nickname of ‘King Jury’ in the political space, Uncle Conradie was in real life a fearless revolutionary, political icon and community activist, who relentlessly fought tooth and nail to attain equal rights for marginalised citizens. He was also a radio anchor – and above all – an astute football administrator. Sadly, the brother blew his last breath on Mother Planet on 8 August 2014. May his brave soul continue to rest in ancestral power!

Namibian football is a great deal of gratitude indebted to many people. They have served the game with distinction – not only on the playing field but behind the scenes, making sure things were run smoothly without hindrance. One such bloke who shaped the face of domestic football was Conradie. 

He was elected chairman of the old location outfit Cape Cross in 1959. He only rose to prominence when he was elected secretary general of the SWA Bantu Football Association in 1966 before assuming the plum portfolio of president, a position he occupied with great aplomb between 1971 and 1976. 

Tellingly, during the same period, he was elected to serve on the South African National Football Association (SANFA) Executive, representing the interests of Namibian football. He led the two-man delegation alongside his uncle Herbert Conradie who travelled to Johannesburg, South Africa. 

The pair were invited by their South African counterparts for directives to address problems stalling the progress of the game in then-apartheid SWA. A great man of remarkable pedigree, Conradie played a pivotal role in the birth of Dolam Pirates following the closure of Cape Cross. 

He was at the forefront of organising successful tours of football teams to and from neighbouring South Africa, including the historic visit of Kaizer Eleven in 1969. A true son of the soil, ‘Bro K’ believed sport was more than just a mere recreation pastime activity. 

In his own words, sport is a powerful tool for nation-building and unity in an era marked by systematic division across race, ethnicity and political affiliation. He advocated for football to be utilised as common ground to bridge those unfortunate divisive tactics.  

Uncle Conradie might be gone to be reunited with his ancestors, but his long-lasting legacy will remain entrenched in the memories of those who came to know him up close. Tomorrow morning, before dawn, marks another milestone when the family of the late Conradie unveils his tombstone at the old Katutura Cemetery in Dolam.                              

RIP – Eben Isaacs 1970-2025 

Just as ‘oval ball’ fanatics were coming to terms with the sad passing of rugby icon Christopher Alexander, another bombshell hit the Namibian rugby fraternity following the shock departure of former national team player Eben Isaacs.

A proud product of the rugby-mad Dr Lemmer High School in Rehoboth, Isaacs’ death has rocked the entire Rehoboth community, including those who follow the much-adored ‘oval ball’ game with keen interest.

A stalwart of the FNB Reho Falcon Rugby Club, his death sent shockwaves amongst the Namibian sport, as it comes short on the heels of the unfortunate demise of another rugby giant fraternity Alexander. 

Regrettably, their departure from mother planet has opened fresh wounds, rekindling the sad memories of the horrific car accident that claimed the lives of four rugby legends in the shape of Etienne Coetzee (48), his pair of rugby-playing sons Edmundo (23) and Ethan (21) as well as Danzellao Bruwer (21).  

Isaacs was not just a retired national team player. He was a symbol of resilience, pride and excellence in domestic rugby. His undying love and commitment to serving his native land to the best of his ability elevated the lanky flanker to the top echelons of the game. 

He represented his motherland in the global showpiece, the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Cup held in Australia in 2003. His presence did not only inspire a generation of oval-ball chasers, but he left behind a long-lasting legacy that trickled down to his equally talented son Alcino, a national team player.     

RIP – Vijanda Tjituaiza-Munamava 2005-2025                                                      

Well, the name Vijanda Munamava might sound alien to many football followers but those who have been tailing his progress took note of his immense talent. Son of now-retired astute news editor at New Era and a staunch Black Africa supporter, Rajah Munamava, the versatile energetic attacking midfielder was destined for greatness from the word go. 

After all, his genes dictated that he would be a polished footballer rightly following in the footsteps of his grandfather, former African Stars no-nonsense, tough-tackling defender ‘Kierie’ Tjituaiza.

His former coach at the Epako-based outfit Desert Rollers Football Club Barry Rukoro could not heap enough praise on the young midfielder, whose precious life was abruptly ended tragically by a horrific car accident (head-on collusion) that claimed the lives of four people in the road between Windhoek and Gobabis.

“Vii was like my own son and younger brother to my biological sons. While others called me coach, Vii would always address me as Papa. He called my sister Jenny ‘Mommy’ like her own children would call her. He was a complete and inseparable part of the fabric of our household. 

“A great boy of decent upbringing, immense talent, complimented by a spirit of discipline and humility rarely seen in modern athletes and above all athleticism second to none, I coached him for three seasons at our beloved club Desert Rollers. 

“Without a shadow of a doubt, he was a good boy. He never complained even when his name was absent from the match day team list. Vii waited patiently, knowing his time would come.  When it eventually came, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, playing with heart, grace and pride,” reads part of the well-crafted tribute, verbatim. 

A phenomenal ball passer, Vii boasts an impressive resume, which includes a bronze medal from the prestigious annual Nedbank Youth Cup, representing the Omaheke Regional under-20 team last year. 

He went on to establish himself as a vital cog in the emerging Rollers squad. 

Vii will be sorely missed by those he rubbed shoulders with on and off the pitch.