WINDHOEK – Namibian sports fraternity mourns the loss of another sporting icon following the untimely death of former Civics hard-tackling midfielder Mentos Hipondoka.
Details about the death of Mentos, 31, remain sketchy but available information is that he collapsed and perished of heart failure at an unidentified house in Windhoek yesterday.
Named after his famous uncle Mentos (Metuu) a former South West Africa (SWA) and Tigers stalwart – young Mentos defied tradition when he joined Khomasdal outfit Civics rather than boyhood team Tigers.
His father Sekulu, better known as “Superstar” in football circles, also played for Tigers in his heyday and it was only fitting that young Mentos would become a footballer himself as football ran in the clan’s genes.
Mentos joined forces with the Civilians in 2000 and made his debut in the 1-all draw against Mighty Gunners and became a valuable member of the untouchable Civilians side that conquered Africa in the highly competitive club Champions league.
He played a pivotal role in Civics’ historic consecutive triple league win and also represented Namibia at all junior levels.