Kavetja Ngaizuvare
Deon Dennis Zuve Tjizumaue, popularly known as “Slaai”, has been passionate about football since the age of six. He inspired by his grandmother, who bought him his first ball and allowed him to skip kindergarten to watch matches.
Growing up, Tjizumaue admired Neymar Jr. for his creativity and confidence on the field. Neymar’s style inspired Tjizumaue to develop his own way of playing.
He learned that football is not only about skill, but also about showing personality and taking risks. This approach has helped him build a unique playing style and gain confidence over time.
His journey in professional football has been marked by dedication and perseverance. He has played for noticeable teams, including Botswana’s Township Rollers from 2022 to 2023 and Namibia’s African Stars which he currently plays for as an attacking midfielder or a winger.
He also contributed to their Debmarine Premier Football League title in 2024.
His toughest match came in 2017, while playing for Blue Waters, a game that taught him never to underestimate an opponent.
Raised by a single mother, Tjizumaue learned the importance of hard work and determination early on. Despite limited resources, her constant support and sacrifice helped his drive to pursue his passion for football, promising himself to always work as hard as possible, and make a name for himself. With his mother’s endless support, he pursued his dreams.
Tjizumaue lives by the simple belief that “the only way to do great is to love what you do.” This philosophy drives him to work hard, stay humble, and always give his best in every match. He is determined to leave a legacy in Namibian football by inspiring future generations to follow their dreams and never give up, no matter the obstacles.
Training is a key part of his routine, focusing on passing, endurance and ball work. He stays motivated through self-affirmation, personal training, and strong faith. Before every match, he prays, believing that his success is guided by God.
Tjizumaue’s ambition extends beyond national borders. He dreams of playing for Zambia’s Green Buffaloes and making a name for himself internationally.
His goal is to see Namibian football grow, inspiring young players and contributing to its development. He believes that while the future of Namibian football is promising, more investment and better structures are needed to help young talent thrive. He hopes to be part of that change by mentoring and giving back to the sport.
Outside of football, Tjizumaue enjoys drawing and spending time with family and friends, whose support has been a big contributor to his journey. They show up at most of his games, cheering him on and always screaming his name, this always makes him want to win and play his best all the time. Their effort means so much to him. With a determined mindset and unwavering faith, he continues to strive for greatness in his passion for football. –klngaizuvare@icloud.com