A proud product of the revered Rhenisch Herero School at Windhoek’s old location, Bro ‘Zoo’ was just like many young boys his age football crazy, the brother would play the game at the slightest provocation, be it in the streets, on the way to the local grocery shop or any available open space.
In the absence of youth structures at the club level, young black boys were deprived of playing competitive football and had to be satisfied with playing stake games in the rocky streets until mommy calls after darkness had set in. He joined the local social team Fire Star established by former African Stars honcho Stanley ‘Stigga’ Kozonguizi where he established himself as a s vital cog in the youthful team’s firing line.
It was not long before African Stars talent scouts spotted his unmatched football virtuosity. The wide-awake Reds hierarchy dangled a juicy carrot in his baby face to join ranks and as they say, the rest is history. His rise to stardom coincided with the Reds’ inevitable transformation process that saw a significant number of the ageing old guard being phased out of the system to make way for young blood.
Operating from his favorite right flank, Bro ‘Zoo’ was tipped to take over the reins from Reds long-serving inspirational skipper Obed ‘Ekuva-Axe’ Kamburona. However, the bow-legged silky attacker had to wrestle for a starting berth with the equally dangerous versatile flying winger Manfred Muheke ‘Bush’ Menjengua.
Despite the tough competition, ‘Zoo’ was an outright crowd favourite and was slotted in as a valuable squad member to the Reds first team though he mostly played for the Reds’ second strings. Nevertheless, his football talent and goal-scoring prowess were never in question as ‘Zoo’ proved himself as an amazing talent.
He was amongst the most outstanding youngsters in the Reds feeder team alongside the following youngsters; Mike Panja Murangi, Israel Kaumbani ‘Sholly’ Tjongarero, Floyd Hambira, Daniel ‘Nanana’ Kenaruzo, Katjimune ‘Smody’ Kamaheke, George Handipara Kambiringo, Wilson ‘Chippa’ Mberirua, Arnoldt ‘Mostert’ Tjihuiko, Nicklaus Njangatare Kajau, Kandjambi Katjaeta Veseevete, Peet Taree ‘Chief Krily’ Mbangura, Mbinaune Lazzy ‘Lamola’ Tjituka, and Hermann Kamutambo Tjipueja.
Younger brothers Ngatangue and Vekondja Tjikuzu were also formidable footballers in their own right who cut their teeth in domestic football with the ‘Brave Lions of Judah’ (Hungry Lions), Epako-based outfit Sunshine and Young Terrors Football Clubs, in that sequence.
A natural baller possessing all the required ingredients of a complete athlete, ‘Zoo’ packed a decent shot in both legs and could shoot equally well from range complimented by amazing pace, jaw-dropping close ball control and dribbling skills second to none.
Besides his impressive cameo roles for the emerging Reds, the much adored ‘Zoo’ has certainly left an incredible impression in the game, many will forever remember his undisputed God-given football talent.
Apart from leading the Reds attack, ‘Zoo’ also sporadically featured for Epako outfit Sunshine Football Club in addition to spearheading the attacking line of local youthful OD outfit Ehahe in the hotly contested self-styled Herero location derby between Ehahe and the star-studded Golden outfit staged at the usually packed to rafters Municipal stadium in Katutura.
Admittedly, when ‘Bush’ unexpectedly skipped his motherland going into exile for further studies, ‘Zoo’ was seen by many as the designated heir to the vacant number seven (7) spot. Sadly, a combination of niggling knee injuries, self-inflicted off-field distractions and a wandering eye towards beautiful lasses curtailed his progress. Nonetheless, without a shadow of a doubt Bro ‘Zoo’ will go down in history as one of the most gifted ballers of his generation.