Windhoek
It is a well-documented secret that the now defunct Hungry Lions FC dominated football in the nationwide lower divisions to the extent that the maroon and white outfit became untouchable as they brushed their opponents aside at any given time across the length and breadth of the country.
Initially, the club was founded by averaged but enthusiastic footballers from the eastern part of South West Africa (SWA), who were unable to carve themselves starting berths with the predominantly Otjiherero-speaking Katutura outfits African Stars and Flames second strings.
To make matters worse, the bulk of the playing personnel were not from the old location and as a result, they were considered outsiders (or moegoes) in the eyes of the self-styled streetwise Kasi boys, the products of the old location. The team would mainly compete in exhibition matches against fellow non-league teams in small towns such as Gobabis, Groot Aub, Okahandja, Omaruru and Okakarara.
However, the inevitable arrival of the shrewd late football administrator and leading referee, Ben Uanivi, was to change the team’s fortunes for good.
The sharp-tongued Uanivi, clan name Kaurikarera, immediately knuckled down to some serious business by recruiting a significant number of exciting young players from other cultural backgrounds in the community – thus erasing the misplaced perception that the team was restricted only to members from the Ovambanderu tribe.
The club drew a decent chunk of its new recruits from the Okakarara Senior Secondary School – led by Australian-based stocky winger Fritz Ndjavera. Moripe Muundjua, Groovy Kaahangoro, Siegfried Ngeendepi and Andrew-Uaetongue Korupanda, while the likes of Moloi and Five Korupanda, Dorich Tjerivanga, Kaume Katjipuka, Veraa Katuuo, Shabby Rukero, Marongo Veii, were also roped in to strengthen the line up.
Godza’s arrival at the Lions coincided with that of his homeboys Issy Murangi and Tunduekuru Kaindjee. He quickly established himself as a vital cog in the Lions notorious uncompromising defence making the No. 3 jersey (left back position) his own property.
The club won several low-key knockout tournaments in towns such as Gobabis, Okakarara, Okahandja and Windhoek and became one of the most sought-after commodities in domestic cup competitions.
Godza played the entire 90 minutes when Hungry Lions defeated a strong Black Africa second strings in a Knockout Cup final at the SKW stadium and would return to the same venue to claim another accolade when the Lions saw off Celle Ochurub’s inspired Chief Santos (1-0) – courtesy of Justice Basson’s lonely strike in the final of the popular Easter Cup in 1985.
Born in the Omaue Ozonjanda enclave on August 11, 1957, Godza played an instrumental role in Hungry Lions’ promotion to the Central Football Association (CFA) Division One League in 1982.
He was a valuable member of that invincible squad that went unbeaten the entire season en route to gaining promotion after narrowly missing out the previous term having been beaten at the post by eternal rivals Young Ones FC from Khomasdal.
His trademark bone-crunching tackles instilled fear in many of his opponents with Black Africa dreading the day they had to come up against the Lions.
Former BA fast as lightning winger, the late Croocks Casper and midfielder Lucky Boostander despised the Lions’ hard man to the core and would call him all sorts of names, with their most favourite being the “Roasted Chicken” referring to his bold forehead.
That description did not seat well with the short-tempered left back, who would let his distracters pay dearly in their own coin dishing out punishment through no holds tackles.
Some of his victims included Tigers’ sharp-shooter Steve Haihambo, who dared calling him a stupid cow. The brother was taught in no uncertain terms never to mess around again with Godza as he climbed into the unsuspecting Bra Steve with boots and all – leaving him crying for mercy like a small baby.
Former Orlando Pirates’ stylish winger Ambrossius Vyff was next in line. The latter and the late Norries Goraseb as well as the speedy Bandi Namaseb were bamboozling the disjointed Lions defence – much to the dislike of the clearly gatvol Bra Godza at the Windhoek Show Grounds.
The next moment, pandemonium broke loose when Vyff was airlifted via a dangerous career-threatening tackle by Godza that left the trickery midfielder sprawling on the turf in pain with a fractured collarbone.
Unknown to Godza, Vyff was a much-adored footballer held in high esteem by the opposition. Some of Godza’s own teammates were furious and reprimanded the offender in the strongest language.
Midfielder Billy Tuahepa lost his cool and almost got into a physical brawl with his teammate – much to the approval of many of his teammates who strongly condemned their own player’s unbecoming conduct.
That fateful tackle inadvertently led to a breakdown in relationship between the tough tackling fullback and some of his more influential teammates – gradually paving the way for his unplanned departure from the game.
Godza suffered serious body injuries when the vehicle in which he was travelling with members of the Hungry Lions team, including Ben Uanivi, overturned on the Otjinene gravel road.
The brother never fully recovered from the multiple injuries sustained in the horrific accident and was obliged to hang up his togs for good only to resurface as a pastor with the Healing Church.
The bearded hard as nails defender exited the game of life aged 45, following a vicious heart attack while conducting a sermon. May his soul rest in eternal peace.