They came, entertained, and conquered local football pitches with sheer elegance, but nowadays they are a pale shadow of the young men who used to mesmerise fans, driving them to the edge of their seats, nervously chewing their nails in anticipation of some magical display from their newfound heroes.
Regrettably, we are only left with the great memories attached to the amazing football virtuosity, but there is nothing to show off after football; indeed, a very sad ending to what promised to be a well-navigated journey towards the land of milk and honey.
Individually, players have made extraordinary sacrifices in their youth and played a significant role in the infancy of the most treasured national asset. However, despite their efforts and immense contribution to the overall growth of the game, they have been unable to reap the fruits of their hard work and dedication, nor have they derived any form of financial benefits, let alone the recognition they so dearly deserve for their selfless contribution.
Tjihero humbly challenged all former footballers to come on board for the ultimate realisation of this noble idea if we are to preserve the legacy laid down by those who have made sacrifices without compensation or tangible rewards from the game.
“We are gathered here to mourn and at the same time celebrate the legacy of a great man of substance, but what pains me is the way Allu lived. His living condition didn’t mirror the sacrifices and contributions he made towards the overall growth of Namibian football. That’s not the way to reward national heroes of remarkable pedigree. I’m pleading with all living football legends to come out and address this burning issue.”
Tjihero called out prominent retired footies such as Ivo de Gouveia, Oscar Mengo, Max Johnson, Blue Karimbue, Ranga Lucas, Bonetti Niilenge, Bossie Samaria, Asser Mbai, Eliphas Sabatta, Hasso Ahrens, Kandas Poilino, and others to take the lead and make their presence felt.
Meanwhile, diehard football fan Siegfried #Areseb, Control Officer at Arandis constituency office in the Erongo Regional Council, and keen follower of Namibian football, has also joined the chorus of discontent, calling out the country’s governing football body (NFA) to up their game and start looking into the plight of retired players.
“It’s an open secret that during the early years prior to independence, our athletes were subject to turbulent times where the game of football was used as a vital tool to unite the marginalised masses. Those players that represent their beloved motherland at Provincial level did so with pride and resilience as they did not only play for the love of the game but more importantly, to elevate the image of the country internationally,” charges #Areseb.
Sadly, despite their invaluable contribution to the growth of domestic football, the majority of these players are living in abject poverty, with nothing to fall back on in the absence of financial support organs, as they were not compensated for their services during their playing careers.
The system has left the said players to fend for themselves upon retirement in an economically hostile environment. As a result, many retired players face economic hardships in stark contrast to the sacrifices they made on the playing field.
Critics believe the absence of a formal budgetary provision for retired footballers, including athletes from other sporting disciplines, is a grave oversight from the sport authorities that needs to be addressed at the highest level of the August House.
Those forgotten heroes laid the foundation, the pioneers in the overall development of Namibian football, the cornerstone for the future generations and deserve to be acknowledged for their role in the history of domestic football.
Furthermore, #Areseb respectfully suggested the country’s football governing body consider inserting a provision in its yearly budget for financial assistance, recognition and a sense of dignity for those who have represented their motherland at different intervals in years gone by.
Additionally, #Areseb tabled a clearly defined proposal to NFA for the long overdue introduction of the following resolutions as a matter of humanitarian gesture towards her subjects: Financial Assistance for struggling retired players, healthcare benefits, recognition, and acknowledgement rewards, and training/empowerment programmes.
Incumbent Chief Regional Officer of the vastly populated Omaheke region, Pecka Semba, a former footballer himself, also weighed in on the debate, advocating for a thorough brainstorming session to map the way forward.
“We should initiate a serious Indaba that will dissect this problem to its depth, roots and map the way forward. It’s very heartbreaking watching stars of yesteryear struggling and begging for basic needs.”