By Carlos “CK”
Kambaekwa
WINDHOEK – When Black Africa arrived at the old Katutura stadium for their historic clash against the equally dangerous youthful African Stars outfit in 1974 the squad was regarded by many as the best ever to represent the Gemengde-based outfit.
The historic encounter coincided with the club’s 10th anniversary and to add the cherry on the cake, it was against fired opponents Stars, who were in a rebuilding process.
Inspired by the unmatched goal scoring prowess of sharpshooter Pius “Garrincha” Eigowab, the midfield genius of Albert Louw and hardworking anchorman Five Hochobeb, the deadly striking partnership of Eichowab, Hassie Mingeri, Stouter Ochurub and Mike Hans, made BA invincible.
Add the solid defensive display of Gabes Dausab, Kariirii Katire, Malaka Somseb and Vossie van Wyk, and one will have a complete team with very few flaws if any.
Black Africa were clear favourites to send their opponents packing on that freezing Sunday afternoon at the crowded old Katutura stadium.
To the surprise of many, Black Africa found themselves two goals down going into the second half, courtesy of first half strikes via the stray boot of Muheke “Bush” Menjengua and Ben Kauejao’s powerful header before Five Hochobeb and Eigowab brought the teams on level terms again.
With the match destined for a stalemate – up popped afro-haired pocket size youngster Albert Karumbu Kahiha to put the final nail in BA’s coffin. The Dobra protégé’s well struck strike from long range beat veteran shot stopper Hubert Mootseng, hands down to give the Reds a narrow 3-2 win over their much-fancied opponents.
The match attracted a large crowd with both clubs’ danger men Eigowab (BA) and Oscar Mengo (Stars) having just returned from a stint with South African glamour football club Kaizer Chiefs in the South African Professional Soccer League.
In the intervening years, Black Africa went onto to dominate domestic football in various knockout tournaments prompting the neutral football fan to take a liking to their attractive style of play.
With the old guard of Spokes Tibinyane, Black Kangooutui and Basson fading out – the club brought in a number of youngsters from their trusted nursery (Dobra) to replace the old guard.
Although BA struggled to make a major impact during the inevitable integration of multi racial football in 1977, the team dusted themselves off and managed to stamp their authority by reaching the coveted Mainstay Cup final in 1978.
Unfortunately, BA narrowly lost to traditional rivals Orlando Pirates through young Eric Muinjo’s lone strike.
However, it was not until the arrival of the next generation led by burly striker George Martin, an old fashion left winger whose penetrative powerful runs and sweet left foot left many opposing defenders flabbergasted as he rang rings around them scoring goals as if they were going out of fashion that BA were given a new lease of life.
LEGACY
Young midfielder Rusten “Zukhile” Mogane, the son of founding member Simon Mogane took over the reigns alongside other highly talented youngsters led by Joe “Mombakkies” Eiseb, Safe “Slow Poison” Kuruseb, Hannes Louw, Alpheus Gaweseb, Steven “Falcao” Hochobeb, Lucky “Bazooka” Richter, Croocks Casper, Dawid “Fellah” Snewe and multi talented Frankie Fredericks.
The new wave of the young brigade did not disappoint and carried the legacy laid by their predecessors with aplomb and commendable distinction.
It should be noted that none of the abovementioned athletes made an immediate impact than gangling young chirpy from Tseiblaagte, Keetmanshoop’s largest residential area – baptized Daniel “Lucky” Boostander.
Lucky was your real rough diamond and only needed some polishing on the edges before he set the local football scene alight with breathtaking performances as he called the shots from the middle of the park like an old campaigner.
One great aspect about his game is that Lucky did not lack in confidence. He could split defences with his customary unpredictable accurate passes – much to the chagrin of football greats Doc Hardley, Ranga Lucas, Pieces Damaseb, Oscar Mengo, Storm Khom-Khaiseb, Bobby Craddock and Grey Umati, as the Black Beauty FC protégé made his more experienced opponents look like beginners.
Apart from being an entertainer, Lucky was a complete footballer excelling in each and every technical aspect of the modern game – he was an excellent passer of the spherical object, tough tackler, blessed with unbelievable stamina and a team player.
In addition, his speed was up to scratch, packed a decent shot in both feet, excellent header of the ball, and above all, the boy had little peers in the business when it came down to reading the pattern of the game and his vision was something out of the ordinary.
Several league titles including four on the trot and two NFA Cup triumphs are amongst some of the major accolades in the Kings of Knockout Cups Trophy laden cabinet.