2016-08-11Staff Report 2 Tsumeb MTC Premiership returnee, Chief Santos Football Club, is an institution on a serious mission – if their approach and philosophy towards the game is anything to go by. Club chairman Richard Gamiseb recently visited South Africa to seek a brand for the Copper Town lads and during his escapade there grabbed the opportunity to network with football experts, including well-known football coach Boebie Solomons. Discussions between Gamiseb and Solomons proved fruitful, followed by an invitation to visit the club and present a seminar on football tactics and development. An accredited football developer, Solomons took up the challenge and came to Tsumeb to present at a football seminar hosted by the club on July 30. The session was open to all coaches and footballers from Tsumeb and the surrounding areas. Upon confirmation of promotion to the MTC Premiership, Santos set various objectives, but the main goal is to fight for survival and retain their premier league status. However, off the pitch, the club has vowed to work with and engage various stakeholders in developing sport within the local community. “The club realises the power of sport in breaching both economic and social barriers and we want to play our part in developing, not only the game of football, but all major sports in Tsumeb. Bringing Solomons was just the beginning of such initiatives, which the club has committed itself to,” reads a statement from the club. Furthermore, Santos plans to host football clinics, create football awareness - not only as a sport but as a career - while participating and working together with national and local government in promoting national issues, such as the alleviation of poverty, the fight against gender-based violence, prevention of HIV and cancer awareness campaigns. On a footballing note, an agreement was reached between Santos and Milano United FC in South Africa for a partnership regarding player development. The club is currently in the process of sending four young talented homegrown footballers for a weeklong training session to Milano in Cape Town, where they will be placed under the stewardship of Solomons, head coach of Milano United. The chosen players’ names and the details of their travel dates will be communicated as soon as all logistics are finalised. For enquiries or further information about the activities of the club, Gamiseb can be contacted at 081-808 8818. 2016-08-11Staff Report 2
