WINDHOEK – Namibian football has been hit by another heavy blow following the heartbreaking news that former Civics hard as nails defender Peter Klaaste, better known as Scural or Ralla in football circles, has taken an unexpected bow from the game of life.
Ralla died in his hometown of Kakamas, near Upington, South Africa on Friday after losing a long battle with an illness. The no-nonsense gap-toothed defender was a valuable squad member of the Civilians and formed a rock steady combination in the Civilians rearguard alongside Harold Kaunazondunge, Tiger Goagoseb, Ruben Prinz and Wella van Wyk.
Although his football skills did not inspire the imagination and confidence of the neutral fan, Ralla was a hard-working defender who took no prisoners on the playing field with his bone-crunching tackles and never-say-die attitude.
The late Ralla represented the Civilians with distinction and was in the starting line-up when the youthful Khomasdal outfit won promotion to the elite league in 1991.
However, his football career was prematurely abbreviated when he was given a life ban from all forms of football under the jurisdiction of the NFA together with team mate, Seun Doeseb.
The pair took the law into their own hands when they physically assaulted the late referee Shakes Kandenge during an official match at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium in 1996.
Though the sanction was later lifted and reduced to a few years, Ralla never managed to return to competitive action.
A memorial service for the late Ralla will be held at Erf 3308, Dalia Street in Khomasdal, Rusheuwel, Spokiesdorp, tomorrow afternoon at 19h00.
Civics FC has made travel and accommodation arrangements for interested mourners. The bus departs on Thursday from Spar Supermarket in Khomasdal at 13h00.
Would-be burial attendants are required to fork out N$600 for a return ticket and N$475 for accommodation (3 nights).
Mourners are requested to contact the following persons: Jerry @081 251 1282 or Stanley 081 498 4154.
By Carlos Kambaekwa