Every football player dreams of playing in front of a large crowd and testing their mental strength, says goalkeeper Hensley Ndyenge.
He showcased his skills as part of the Oshikoto regional squad at the recent Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup in Gobabis, Omaheke region.
His team did not advance past the group stages, but the 19-year-old Ndyenge, who stands close to 1.85 meters tall, impressed with his goalkeeping, conceding only four goals in five matches played.
In last year’s edition, hosted by Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa region, he played two matches and conceded only one goal.
According to Ndyenge, each match is unique, requiring constant focus and observation due to varying attackers.
Inspired by his father, former footballer Alfie Ndyenge, the lanky goalie started playing football at age seven.
“I play as a goalkeeper but mostly as a sweeping keeper, which is something I mastered because I used to play in-field as a winger, but my preferred position is as a goalkeeper.
“My highlight from my career so far was getting Man of the Match in last year’s edition. I might get more accolades soon if I get called up for the national Under-20 squad,” he anticipated.
Representing Gerros Uri-khob Academy in Tsumeb, he aspires to play for premier league club African Stars or Civics locally , and he enjoys watching Arsenal.
His goalkeeping idol is Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, who is one of the few players to have made over 1 100 professional career appearances and holds the Serie A appearance record.
“He was incredible, and I just want to be brilliant like him,” said Ndyenge.
In tandem with his football ambitions, he plans to pursue cybersecurity studies at Lingua College, starting in June this year.
Ndyenge understands the importance of education for his future beyond football and aims to excel in both careers to the best of his ability.
“My goal as a footballer is to push myself and see how far this career can take me, but I will always focus on school because one day if I retire from football, I can always depend on my qualifications,” he said.