Windhoek
He left his native Namibia in search of greener pastures almost four years ago and although he did enough to make a formidable statement about his playing ability, former Tigers utility centre-back Willem Dudes Mwedihanga is now club-hunting.
The reliable towering Brave Warriors defender endured the embarrassment of suffering back-to-back setbacks, as both his South African Premier League (PSL) clubs were relegated from the elite league.
The mild-mannered beanpole defender joined PSL outfit AmaZulu from MTC Premiership (NPL) giants Tigers midway through the 2013/2014 season and became an instant hit with the usually hard-to-please Usuthu fans, playing a pivotal role in the team’s rearguard.
As fate would have it and for the umpteenth time the Kwazulu-Natal outfit was relegated from the lucrative South African top tier league in only his second season – leaving the Namibian to ponder his next move. Despite kicking his heels in frustration, with no football club in sight, having parted ways with AmaZulu, with doubts hovering over his match fitness, Mwedihanga was thrown a lifeline when Warriors coach Bucksy Mannetti called him up for the regional COSAFA Cup in neighbouring South Africa last year.
His steady defensive play contributed largely to the team’s claiming the coveted regional trophy. Mwedihanga’s near-faultless display at the regional tourney did not escape the eyes of talent scouts circling like vultures over the giant Molakeng Stadium near Rustenburg.
The burly Namibian fullback finally found refuge with PSL outfit University of Pretoria (AmaTuks) and immediately cemented his place in the students’ starting line-up, alongside compatriot and inspirational Brave Warriors skipper Stigga Ketjijere.
Arguably one of the best performers during his debut season with AmaTuks, Mwedihanga, 30, sadly could not prevent his new team from suffering relegation, as the Pretoria outfit failed to negotiate their way back into the elite league via the notorious promotion/relegation play-offs.
The Namibian played an astonishing 30 games for AmaTuks, scoring two goals and winning two Man of the Match accolades in the process.
He also skippered the side with distinction in the absence of regular captains, the injured pair of Tebogo Monyai and Ketjijere.
Mwedihanga is now back in his native land and has been training on his own, while still hoping to find new employers in the PSL.
Unlike his teammate Ketjijere, who has rejoined former team African Stars, Mwedihanga – whose contract with AmaTuks was terminated by mutual consent – says he has no intention of dropping a notch, at least not for the time being, and remains hopeful and confident he will find suitors soon.