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Home / Kamatuka talks Baroka move, Gebhardt influence… as winger makes debut

Kamatuka talks Baroka move, Gebhardt influence… as winger makes debut

2021-02-02  Otniel Hembapu

Kamatuka talks Baroka move, Gebhardt influence… as winger makes debut

Namibia’s enterprising winger Joslin Kamatuka has heaped praise on compatriot and South African club Baroka FC teammate Ananias Gebhardt for making his arrival at the club a smooth process, as that, he says, contributed strongly to his superb performance in his debut against Cape Town City on Sunday in their DStv Premiership clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

In a light conversation with this publication yesterday, Kamatuka – whose contract with Baroka runs until 2024 – says he joined the DStv Premiership outfit at the beginning of the current term and hopes to propel the club to greater heights through hard work and consistency. He joined from GladAfrica Championship side Cape Umoya United.

The 29-year-old Namibian winger started for his new club on Sunday and wasted little time as he got off to a strong start that saw him play the entire opening half before being replaced by Kgodiso Monama in the 51st minute. 

The match saw Baroka hold City to a 1-all draw thanks to an own goal by City defender Terrence Mashego, which cancelled out Bradley Ralani’s earlier goal for City. The result meant Baroka remained ninth on the log with 17 points, while City are stationed fifth on 23 points. 
Touching on his debut, the hard-galloping Kamatuka expressed satisfaction with his maiden appearance for the new club and is confident that more is yet to come from him. 

“I’m finding my feet pretty well and obviously with time, it will become better than what it is now [the debut]. Sometimes it takes a few games to gel and I will definitely get there,” said Kamatuka, who also spoke highly of his teammate and fellow countryman Gebhardt.
The winger said Gebhardt, who has been captaining the side for the past few games, made his arrival at the club a smooth-sailing experience as he [Gebhardt] explained the club’s culture to him and made extra sure that he was in tune with all the dynamics at Baroka.

“Ananias being here has helped me a lot as well, because he took time to explain a lot of things about the club and its culture. That has really helped me settle in well. Playing for Baroka is a big opportunity for me personally because it’s every player’s dream to play in the DStv Premiership and that’s the goal here in South Africa. So I’m very grateful for the opportunity Baroka has given me.”
Baroka is a club from Ga-Mphahlele near Polokwane, Limpopo that plays in the DStv Premiership. The club rose to prominence in 2011 after reaching the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup, defeating several Premier League sides like Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs along the way.

They also won the 2010/11 Vodacom League Limpopo Division, but subsequently fell short at the play-off stage, to win the aspired promotion for National First Division (NFD). 
In their debut season in the NFD, they came close to gaining promotion play-offs to the Premier League but fell short on goal difference on the last day with a 1–1 draw against Thanda Royal Zulu.
– ohembapu@nepc.com.na
 


2021-02-02  Otniel Hembapu

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