Young Tangeni Paulus Hangula Ugelwi, started playing competitive football for exciting Omulunga outfit Chelsea Football Club in the early 90s, shortly after Namibia has gained her long awaited freedom from the jaws of the racist South African regime in 1990.

 He enjoyed a short stint with another local team Flying Eagles before packing his bags heading southwards only to resurface at Orwetoveni old-timers Black Marroko Chiefs (BMC) in the northern capital Otjiwarongo, under the guidance of club legend Linton Aseb. 

Mentored by the former Orlando Pirates (South Africa) deadly attacker, ‘Tangos’ blossomed becoming the black and white stripe outfit main target man, bagging in goals at will as if the art of goal scoring was going out of fashion.

His goal scoring prowess caught the eye of the wide awake talent scouts from Etoshapoort outfit Golden Bees Football Club who came knocking on the door dangling a juicy carrot in hos wholly face for his precious signature. 

A proven clinical finisher in front of goal in addition to being a damn devastating winger ‘Tangos’, could not resists the challenge, let alone the temptation of taking his game to the next level. The jersey number 11 gladly accepted the offer with both hands by moving to Outjo to join forces with the gold and navy stripe outfit, and as they say, the rest is history.

Interestingly, his inevitable arrival at the Bees nest coincided with the club’s promotion to the country’s elite football league. ‘Tangos’ went on to cement his place as a club legend through his unmatched leadership qualities, discipline and undying commitment towards the welfare of the institution. 

The free scoring offensive footie formed a deadly combination in the Bees firing line alongside the equally dangerous attackers Harold Haimbodi, and Ricky Kaizemi, bamboozling opposing teams with a flurry of well taken goals, much to the joy and excitement of the Bees’ steadfast followers.  

His untimely death has sent shockwaves amongst the football crazy Outjo community and further afield with messages of condolences pouring in like thunderstorm acknowledging his supreme contribution towards the overall growth of the game in the great Kunene region. 

“It’s a massive loss because apart from being a great footballer Tangos was a phenomenal inspirational leader on and off the field of play. I would like to convey our heartfelt and deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray to the Almighty that his soul be rested in peace,” reads a message from the Kunene Regional Football Association (KUNFA) Chairman Marshall ‘Boemla’ Gomeb, Verbatim. 

Former Golden Bees Football Club skipper Tomaya Nangombe, also weighed in describing his former teammate as the ‘Baby Fly’, who always played with his heart, barely disappointed. “Tangos was a great DJ in the dressing room and will always be remembered as a leader. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Long serving club honcho and founder member Ernest Amporo, says it’s a sad day for the Golden Bees family as the club has lost a great trusted cadre. “It’s indeed a massive loss not only for Golden Bees Football Club but the entire Kunene football fraternity considering the immense contribution he has unselfishly made towards the overall growth of the game during his amazing playing career. 

“We at Golden Bees will always have fond memories of his valuable contribution and who would ever forget that wonder strike against Eleven Arrows on their home turf that sent our club to the semifinals of the NFA Cup in 2005. Our deepest condolences go to his family in this difficult time of pain and sorrow. May his soul rest in eternal peace,’ writes the well-respected now retired schoolteacher.

“Rest in peace Bro……my deepest condolences to his family in this difficult time. May the Almighty comfort you,” said former Brave Warriors and Chief Santos deadly sharpshooter Gerros Uri-khob. 

Tangos’ sad departure follows short on the heels of other stalwarts of the game who have gone west in the shape of; Engelhard Uribeb, Max Xamseb, Ephraim Guibeb, in addition to other prominent ‘footies’ from that neck of the woods. May their combined souls rest internal peace in one piece.