If you happened to reside in Windhoek’s Old Location back in the day, one would be labelled a ‘moegoe’ and in dire need of refinement if you have not rubbed shoulders with some of the ‘Langanas’ in the hood. 

Fearless blokes Ignatius Mbapeua ‘Mazola’ Katataiza, ‘Ou Windhoek’, Apostoli, Vetamunisa ‘Fusi’ Keimuine, Khoatis and a few other real toughies were the designated go-to-men, obviously against a small protection fee. 

Oops, lest we forget, Bro ‘Karretjie’ should be in that conversation.  The puke-inducing, balkanising aspect of tribal segregation spread the Bantu folk in small groups, a practice that spiralled down to sub-sections within the same ethnic groups. 

Back in the day, at Windhoek’s Old Location, the Ovaherero ethnic group was systematically divided into sections, living in demarcated areas. 

There were residential sections famously known as Ombanderu, Otjitjaimba, Ombandi, Otjitoto and all that nonsense that was systematically tailored to sow division amongst the marginalised indigenous inhabitants. 

Bro ‘Karretjie’ was a resident of the slightly affluent Ombandi section, mingling freely with fellow self-styled ‘Wakeys’ in the shape of Kapuindi Hei, Ben Kauejao, Kovive Seraera, George Kavirombo-Prizonski, Ephraim Hei, ‘Paaitjies’ Prizonski, Sigab ‘Okambua Komdandi’ Williams, Jarii Kaputu and few others.

A product of the Rhenisch Herero School, Bro ‘Karretjie’ found himself in the good company of highly-gifted young footballers, spearheaded by bow-legged lethal forward Johannes ‘Pwiro’ Hangula, Kaika Kuzee, Grey Umati, Kaparoro Kandjii, Katjitata Kazombiaze, Uazuvirua ‘Nobby Stiles’ Hambira, ‘Bollie’ Kandonga, Kometundu Tjituka, Usiel ‘Kamboha’ Muruko, ‘Kido’ Kambangula, Shaka Mbako, Albert Karoorora Toromba and Ringo Umati, amongst others. 

However, it was not until the forced removal from Old Location to Katutura in 1968 that ‘Karretjie’ started playing serious competitive football in organised structures. Inspired by his football-playing uncle Thomas Hindjou, founder member of Katutura glamour football club African Stars, ‘Karretjie’ joined the newly-formed Katutura outfit Flames. 

His old man Kaupapa Karinage was an executive member of the Juvenile Football Club, a precursor to African Stars. 

The new kid on the block attracted the crème de la crème of local talent, including dozens of highly-gifted youngsters, who could not make it into the African Stars’ first team. 

The big frame-forward established himself as a vital cog in the team’s firing line-scoring goals at will as if the art of goal-scoring was going out of fashion. Make no mistake, few could strike the ball with the same ferocity and technique as ‘Karretjie,’ who was famously known for his long-range pile-drivers, which left many shot-stoppers with fractured fingertips. The brother once brought a knockout cup tourney to a temporary halt in Groot Aub. Opposing teams vehemently protested his presence on the playing field. 

Disgruntled teams were under the misplaced belief that bulky forward was a professional footie, and should, therefore, not be allowed to play in an amateur setup. To cut a long story short, what transpired was that the sharp-shooting ‘Karretjie’ sent shivers running riot down the spine of opposing teams before the match.  The Flames took to the field, engaging in the customary warm-up rituals, unleashing ferocious shots towards the goalkeeper. 

Flames’ number seven, ‘Karretjie’, peppered the goalkeeper with his trademark thunderous shots, shaving the upright left, right and centre – much to the delight of onlookers. 

This was enough to convince opposing teams that this dude was shipped in from a different planet, claiming he should not be allowed to feature.

 However, after some heated arguments and diplomatic lobbying by the cunning Flames hierarchy, the brother was eventually given the green light to play, albeit reluctantly. 

Admittedly, his subsequent sub-par display propelled the much-relieved large Baster crowd to start chanting, ‘Lyk vir my die nommer sewe (7) is nou koud’ (looks like this overhyped number seven has gone frozen). 

Nevertheless, Bro ‘Karretjie’ was a colourful character on and off the football field, instilling fear in the opponents with his imposing figure and canon-like shots. 

After the unfortunate demise of Flames, ‘Karretjie’ joined Black Africa to be closer to his idol and then-brother-in-law, the late astute politician Daniel Kaova Jaundikua Tjongarero.

However, given the vast riches of talent at the Gemengde-based outfit, it was not going to be an easy walk in the park.

 ‘Karretjie’ had to settle for a spot in the second strings.  Upon retiring from playing competitive football, he shifted attention towards football administration, unselfishly serving the club in various administrative portfolios, ranging from team manager to talent scouting. 

Off the field, ‘Karretjie’ was a steadfast political activist.

He dedicated his entire life and time to the revolutionary Swapo Party’s social activities, tirelessly mobilising supporters for the militant political movement.  

Often going by the nickname of ‘Fataar’ about the former drummer of The Flames and Beach Boys bands Ricky Fataar, ‘Karretjie’ is a stylish socialite, staunch rock music fanatic, elegant dresser, and man about town. 

The brother lives, eats and breathes Black Africa. He never fails to attend football matches featuring his favourite team.