By Otniel Hembapu
WINDHOEK – One of Namibia’s most exciting young footballers in recent years, McBride Ndjavera, could soon be lost to the local scene if word about his imminent departure is to be taken seriously.
The highly gifted midfielder, 20, who joined Katutura glamour football club African Stars on loan from rivals Black Africa at the resumption of league activities in the just ended term, is rumoured to be on his way to a top South African Professional Soccer League (PSL) club in Johannesburg.
Sources close to the club revealed to New Era Sports that the deal is almost done and dusted with only the dotting of the i’s and crossing of the t’s left before the young midfielder makes his big move across the Orange River.
Ndjavera caught the eye of talent scouts following an impressive showing during the annual Namibian Newspaper Cup in Otjiwarongo last year when he almost single-handedly steered the Omaheke regional team to the final of the youth competition.
He was snapped up by Blue Waters from lower division campaigners Desert Rollers, before moving to Namibian champions Black Africa at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season, with the ultimate view to fill the supposed void left by the departing midfield pair of Awilo Stephanus and Denzyl Hoaseb.
However, the move fell through leaving the young holding midfielder kicking his heels in frustration as he struggled for game time. Stars’ wide-awake mentor Woody Jacobs, who has intimate knowledge of the player’s quality during his days in the national Under-17 squad, approached BA to loan out the young midfielder for the remainder of the season.
Despite his young age and relative lack of experience in topflight football, the young midfielder made an immediate impression as he cemented his place in the Reds starting line-up since making his debut in a league match against Rundu Chiefs.
His impressive showing alerted parent club BA who offered him an improved contract upon the expiry of his contract by end of this month, while the Reds are believed to have countered the offer.
Sources close to the player say both clubs are fighting a losing battle as the strongly built youngster has apparently already made up his mind to ply his trade in the PSL – come next season.