Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – The Omaheke Football Association (OFA) has appointed Ewaldt Zuma Kavirombo and Efraim Tjihonge as co-coaches of the regional football U/20 team for the upcoming Namibian Newspaper Cup, slated for Outjo from 18 to 21 April.
The coaching job became vacant following an outcry in the region that Kavirombo, who was at the helm of the team for nine years, was never challenged, and that led to the OFA advertising the post.
OFA chairperson Theobald Kahuure shared that the duo were appointed as suitable candidates for the job, based on their qualifications and coaching experience, especially at youth level.
“We believe that your expertise aligns perfectly with our goals to advance the success of our football programme,” said Kahuure.
The duo will be responsible for leading the u/20 team through effective training sessions, fostering team spirit, and ensuring peak performance during the Newspaper Cup competition.
“Your leadership and strategic skills will be crucial in shaping the future of our football team and promoting a culture of excellence,” said Kahuure.
In his acceptance speech, Kavirombo said he will continue serving the region to reach greater heights.
“It is a great honour to be given an opportunity to coach the team with Tjihonge. This is the first time to have co-coaches in Namibia, and we hope to be exemplary to other teams in the country as well,” he said.
He said he is happy to work with co-coach Tjihonge, who played football at the highest level both in Namibia and South Africa.
“His experience will add value to our team, and we look forward to achieving more with this team,” said Kavirombo.
On his part, Tjihonge said he is glad to be given an opportunity to lead the team, and looks forward to working with Kavirombo.
”Our objectives are to go to the tournament, have a good competition, and try to win. This won’t be easy, but with the support of the region’s executive, I believe we will,” he said.
Both coaches have a Namibia Football Association C licence, with vast experience in coaching at the youth level.
In addition, former Brave Warriors’ goalkeeper Tjihonge went through a Fifa goalkeeper course and a Confederation of African Football goalkeeper instructor seminar amongst others.
He is also a co-coach of Windhoek Gymnasium Football Academy with Sylvester Murangi.
Kavirombo is a coach of Gobabis-based Professional Sports Academy and was assistant coach of Omaheke’s premier league outfit Young African FC last season.
He is now at the helm of one of the historic clubs in Omaheke, Desert Rollers, who ply their trait in the region’s third division league.
The region’s players’ call-ups for trials will be announced in due course.