Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – Namibian footballer Utjita Viera Kazongominja, who plays in the Botswana Premier League (BPL), is optimistic about achieving top accolades in his football career.
Kazongominja was initially signed by Mochudi Centre Chiefs for a two-year contract, but was loaned to another BPL team, the Security System FC, this current season.
The 22-year-old central midfielder is the son of Maleagi Ngarizemo, Young African’s manager, and has played three seasons for the Omaheke Premiership giant before his departure to the Botswana league.
He emphasised that his six-month loan move to Security System FC was triggered by a lack of game-time at Chiefs.
“I have now played seven games out of eight for System Security FC, and that proves that I can excel when given the opportunity. I am happy about my form, and will continue working hard,” said Kazongominja.
The midfield player has yet to find the back of the net since he went to Botswana.
“I want to help the club to attain a very reasonable position in the league and, of course, to have more games on my name. It is my first season here, and it is only through hard work that I will make headlines,” he said.
The player added that he settled well in Botswana, courtesy of fellow countrymen Marcel Papama and Aubrey Amseb, who also ply their trade in the BPL.
“They took me out through the towns and made me feel at home,” Kazongominja said.
The central midfielder is yet to receive a call-up to the senior national football team, the Brave Warriors, but it is his dream to play for his country.
“I have been called to the national U/20 and 17 youth teams in the past, but I am now looking forward to being called to the senior team. I want to contribute to my country, and only time will tell,” he said.
Kazongominja also has high hopes of playing abroad when an opportunity comes. His dream is to play football abroad in the world’s top leagues.
“I am positive that the Botswana league will give me that opportunity. I just have to remain disciplined, keep my head high and produce on the field of play,” he added.
Growing up in Windhoek’s Soweto location, he played street football with fellow boys before he joined Tura Magic Academy.
“I started loving football at a young age, and my father played a huge role in my football career,” recalled Kazongominja.
The 22-year-old wanted to quit school at an early age to pursue his football career, a decision his parents couldn’t agree with. “My father told me not to quit school over football.
He stated that playing in the Namibia Premier League at 18 years old remains the highlight of his career.
His current club, System Security FC, is occupying the 13th position in the BPL.
“I am positive that we will avoid relegation and remain in the Botswana topflight league,” Kazongominja assured.
The footballer attended school in Windhoek at Suiderhof Primary School and Academia High School, and completed his grade 12 at Wennie du Plessis HS in Gobabis.
“I would also like to continue with tertiary education when time permits. Education remains the key that opens many doors,” he said. Kazongominja, despite football, was a short-distance runner.
However, he settled with football. The central midfielder is a strong admirer of South African senior national team midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.
“I like his qualities on the field and lifestyle off the field,” he said.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com