Born in Omaruru in 1959, young Gotthardt ‘Gotty’ Gurirab found himself shifting from one town to another as his dad was a much sought-after roaming police officer who was regularly posted from one station to another. ‘Gotty’ spent a significant chunk of his childhood either in Gobabis or in Windhoek.
‘Gotty’ completed his elementary education in the city of bright lights (Windhoek) before moving to Khorixas to further his education at the revered Cornelius Goreseb Secondary School (Welwitschia). An energetic young athlete, Gurirab played for the school’s first team and later joined local club giants Robber Chanties where he became the mainstay in the team’s engine room.
During school vacations, the much adored midfield kingpin would visit family members in the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, turning out for Kuisebmund outfit Blue Waters Football Club. Upon completing high school, he was posted across the Orange River to South Africa to pursue an academic career as a health inspector. His amazing talent caught the eye of talent scouts from PSL giants Witbank Black Aces, and he was signed on by the blue and white stripe outfit. Back in his native Land of the Brave (Namibia), ‘Gotty’ continued pulling the strings in the middle of the park for unfashionable Khorixas outfit Robber Chanties until he was spotted by Katutura giants Orlando Pirates.
The eagle eyed Buccaneers dangled a juicy carrot in his baby face and as they say, the rest is history. In no time, the highly gifted silky midfielder announced his arrival on the big stage with jaw dropping performance week in and week out for the ‘Sea Robbers’. Gotty’s flawless display attracted attention from national selectors as he was dully called up to represent his mother land in the prestigious South African Inter-Provincial Impala Cup, in Johannesburg.
Sadly, his journey came to an abrupt end when he sustained a devastating career threatening knee injury. Upon recovery, ‘Gotty’ was never the same dominant and feared midfielder who tore robust defences apart and sliced through tight defenses like a hot knife cutting through butter.
A tireless, dedicated and disciplined athlete of decent upbringing and friend to everybody, ‘Gotty’ effortlessly shepherded Pirates to several victories in major knockout cup finals including a pair of Novel Ford gold medals. He was your typical modern day box-to-box midfielder and could walk into any top team without shedding an ounce of sweat.
‘Gotty’ rubbed shoulders with so many great ‘ballers’. But whereas the likes of ‘Doc’ Hardley, ‘Norries’ Goraseb, Ambrossius Vyff, Paul Gawarib Uirib, and Axab Gowaseb, hogged the limelight, he was definitely also up there with the very best and should be in the same conversation as the other Pirates legends.
Death has robbed Namibia one of the most adored midfielders of all time. A man of great substance, calculated, well-spoken, mild-mannered, and always respectful towards colleagues and opponents alike. He will sorely be missed by those he freely mingled with, including Yours Truly. The much admired humorous fellah was the biological ‘old man’ of his equally talented football playing son Brian Gurirab.
Have a safe journey my brother from another mother until our paths cross again in Heaven. You were one hell of an opponent, trusted buddy and an inspiration to many. ‘Gotty’ Gurirab will be laid to rest in Windhoek, on a date yet to be announced.