SKW latest from the Namibian Press

SKW schießt sich zum Rekordsieg AZ - online vom 23.11.2009

Premierliga: United Stars erleben Torreigen in Olympia – African Stars übernehmen Tabellenführung

Der Sport-Klub Windhoek (SKW) hat mit einem imponierenden 9:3-Sieg gegen die United Stars einen Rekordsieg in der namibischen Fußball-Premierliga eingefahren, während Meister African Stars die Mannschaft von Orlando Pirates von der Tabellenspitze stürzte.

Windhoek – Nach einem 3:1-Halbzeitstand liefen die Teams vom SKW und von United Stars, vom darauffolgenden Torspektakel noch nichts ahnend, am Samstagnachmittag im SKW-Stadion in Olympia zum zweiten Durchgang auf. Die grün-weiße Truppe schien es sich kurz nach dem Wiederanpfiff schon wieder verspielt zu haben, als die Gäste aus Rundu mit zwei Toren in wenigen Minuten zum Ausgleich trafen. Doch eine überlegenere SKW-Mannschaft hatte noch ausreichend Feuerkraft im Arsenal. Was den United Stars in der zweiten Hälfte als eine Wiederauferstehung schien, verwandelte sich nach dem Ausgleich in ein „Massaker“. Die Mannschaft aus Olympia ließ keinen Zweifel daran, dass sie nach der 0:4-Klatsche gegen die African Stars am vergangenen Spieltag wieder einen Sieg ergattern wollte. Mit sechs weiteren Treffern in der zweiten Halbzeit demonstrierte dies der SKW auf spektakuläre Art und schrieb sich mit dem 9:3-Endstand einen Rekordsieg in der Premierliga zu. Spieler des Tages war SKW-Stürmer Milton Chapo, der mit vier Treffern aus dieser Partie nun die Torschützenliste anführt. Der amtierende Meister African Stars setze seine Siegesserie fort und löste die Orlando Pirates nach einem 2:0-Sieg gegen die „Piraten“ am Freitagabend an der Tabellenspitze ab. Henry Somseb und Heinrich Kazerua erzielten die beiden Treffer in dem Spitzenduell und erhöhten somit den Punktestand der „Sterne“ auf 21. Danach folgen die Pirates mit 20 Zählern auf Platz zwei. Die in der aktuellen Saison noch ungeschlagenen African Stars stehen nun wieder als absoluter Titelfavorit da. Die Mannschaften von Black Africa und Blue Waters trennten sich 2:2 und verbleiben jeweils auf Rang drei und vier. Indes konnten sich die Ramblers mit einem torlosen Unentschieden gegen die Tigers trösten, nachdem die Blau-Weißen am vergangenen Spieltag eine 0:5-Niederlage gegen Black Africa einstecken mussten. Jedoch rangiert die Mannschaft aus Pionierspark weiterhin sieglos auf dem zweitletzten Rang. Die Tigers-Mannschaft liegt jetzt mit einem Punkt hinter Blue Waters (17) auf dem fünften Platz und ist dem SKW nur durch eine bessere Tordifferenz voraus. Im Kellerduell, das bereits am Mittwoch stattfand, trennten sich Civics und Tabellenschlusslicht Hotspurs mit einem 4:4 und verweilen somit immer noch am unteren Ende der Tabelle. Besser machte es Oshakati City, nachdem sie durch einen 1:0-Sieg gegen die Küstenkicker der Eleven Arrows auf den viertletzten Platz vorrückten.

Von Frowin Becker

More prize money for Leo NFA Cup - by Helge Schutz

The winner of the 2010 Leo NFA Cup will receive N$600 000, an increase of N$100 000 on this year’s competition. This was announced by the Chief Commercial Officer of Leo, Chris Keeping at a press conference in Windhoek on Wednesday to launch the 2010 Leo NFA Cup. The prize money for the runner up has also been increased from N$200 000 to N$250 000, while the losing semifinalists will each receive N$100 000.

Besides that, prize money for individual performers has also increased with the Top Goal scorer of the Series and the Player of the Series each receiving N$25 000.

The prize money for the entire 2010 competition will amount to more than N$1 million, while the total sponsorship will amount to about N$3 million. The sponsorship is in its second year of a three-year deal between Leo and the NFA to sponsor Namibia’s premier cup competition.

“The sponsorship amount for 2010 equates to about N$3 million to cover for teams’ playing gear, prize giveaways, stadium branding, administration, broadcasting, final match event as well as promotion and advertising,” Keeping said.

“Football is one of the most popular sports in Namibia and we are delighted to be contributing towards the development of the game. Last year’s final match between Orlando Pirates and Eleven Arrows was the most memorable in recent years and we look forward to a bigger and better competition this year,” he added.

The 2010 Leo NFA Cup will start on January 24 when about 200 clubs throughout Namibia will be involved in the preliminary stages. After the preliminary round, the defending champions Orlando Pirates will be joined in the first round by 31 other clubs who will have qualified from their various regions and leagues, including those in the Namibia Premier League.

The secretary general of the NFA, Barry Rukoro thanked Leo for their sponsorship, saying that the 2010 event will set new record attendances.

“There is only one month left before the preliminary round starts all over the country and the NFA is therefore continuing with preparations to make this the best ever Leo NFA Cup. Last season saw one of the best finals so far, but we are confident that this year will set a new attendance record for the competition,” he said.

Rukoro promised that fans would be informed timeously about the development and progress of the competition.

“We will have new innovations aimed at keeping the media and the fans informed about what is happening next. The draw of the next round will take place immediately after the last one is completed. We want o move away from keeping you in suspense for weeks before the draw eventually takes place,” he said.

Arrows, Stars match abandoned - Submitted by Helge Schurtz, 29/11/2009

Eleven Arrows and United Stars’ fifth round Premiership match ended in disarray on Sunday when Stars’ players walked off the field after their defender Daniel Namwira was red carded for a foul. Namwira refused to leave the field and after consultations with their bench, Stars’ players all sat down and refused to continue with the match. After a delay of 15 minutes the referee called an end to the match.

At that stage Arrows were leading 2-1 but it is not clear whether that result will stand or whether the match will have to be replayed. The Namibia Premier League will now have to make a decision based on the match commissioner’s report and a fine for United Stars for bringing the game into disrepute could also be a possibility.

It was a disappointing end to a match that had already been postponed since the beginning of October due to an inadequate pitch at the Asab stadium in Karibib. Arrows’ home ground at the Kuisebmond Stadium had been unavailable since the start of the season due to maintenance, but it was finally ready and re-opened for the United Stars encounter.

The Rundu-based visitors took an early lead when Steven Matjayi scored with a stunning long-range strike on 10m.

Arrows immediately equalised two minutes later when Tara Katupose latched onto a throughball to score from close range.

Arrows continued to attack and took a 2-1 lead on 22m when Katupose completed his brace, after scoring from a layoff.

The match was regularly interrupted by fouls from both sides and Arrows’ defender Chris Katjiukua was sent off after picking up a second yellow car on 30m.

United Stars’ numerical advantage however did not last long as Namwira was red carded 5m later before the match was called off.

Civics shock Stars Submitted by Helge Schutz, 12/04/2009

Civics pulled off a major upset with a 1-0 victory against defending champions African Stars on Friday night. Ashley Jossop scored the only goal of the match after 16m, when he headed in a corner, to give Civics a vital victory and hand Stars their first defeat of the season.

Stars had their fair share of chances, but Civics played above themselves in a battling performance, that saw the game being disrupted due to numerous injuries on both sides. Further disruptions came midway through the second half when Stars fans pelted bottles onto the pitch after a penalty for a handball was disallowed, and when referee Daniel Kamukwanyama blew the final whistle after only one minute of stoppage time added, some disgruntled fans once again pelted beer cans.

Stars did the early attacking through wingers Edison Muheua and Heinrich Kazerua, but Civics took the lead against the run of play when Jossop rose unopposed to head in Tugela Tuyeni’s corner. Henry Somseb came close for Stars when a 30m shot skimmed the upright, while a Ronald Ketjijere shot was well blocked by Erastus Ndjavera. Stars suffered a setback when coach Bobby Samaria was ordered off the bench for arguing on 38m, and just before halftime, Civics keeper Ephraim Tjihonge cleared the ball just in time, ahead of the onrushing Somseb.

The second half was interspersed with numerous fouls, as Alfred Ndjenge of Civics and Quinton Jacobs of Stars both received yellow cards. Civics’ speedy striker Pineas Jacob had a great match and scored from a corner on 68m but the goal was disallowed for an earlier infringement. There was drama in Civics’ box as Tjihonge failed to control a high ball before his defence cleared the danger, and then more drama erupted when Stars’ fans pelted bottles onto the pitch after the referee turned down appeals for a handball.

Civics held out for the victory which sees them moving up one place to ninth on the log with eight points, while Stars remain second on 21 points, just below Black Africa on goal difference.

News www.dfb.de - 07.01.2010 09:20 U 20-WM der Frauen 2010

Überraschende und unvergessliche Eindrücke aus Namibia

Sporttaschen. Fein säuberlich aufgereiht am Rande des Spielfeldes. 24 an der Zahl. Das war für Margret Kratz der erste bleibende Eindruck in Namibia. Die Verbandstrainerin des Saarländischen Fußballverbandes reiste im Dezember für zwei Wochen in das afrikanische Land, um dort im Rahmen eines Langzeitprojektes des Deutschen Olympischen Sportbundes und des Deutschen Fußball-Bundes (DFB) Frauenfußball-Entwicklungshilfe zu leisten. 24 Talente, die meisten von ihnen aus der U 20-Auswahl des namibischen Verbandes, wurden von Margret Kratz vor allem im taktischen Bereich geschult. Intensiv. Auf und neben dem Platz. Praktisch und theoretisch.

24 Spielerinnen – und die Sache mit den Sporttaschen. „So banal es sich auch anhören mag. Für mich war das wirklich ein erster tiefer Eindruck“, erinnert sich Margret Kratz. „Ich habe schnell gemerkt, dass dieses Bild – diese 24 exakt an der Seitenlinie aufgereihten Sporttaschen - etwas Symbolisches hatte. Denn es hat sich herausgestellt, wie diszipliniert die Mädels waren. Und selbstständig. Ich kam beispielsweise eine viertel Stunde vor Trainingsbeginn auf den Platz, da haben sie sich schon eigenständig aufgewärmt. Mit einem wirklich tollem Programm“, sprudelt es auch der Fußballlehrerin heraus. Keine Frage. Margret Kratz ist beeindruckt.

Frauenfußball in Namibia steht erst am Anfang

Denn noch zu Beginn wusste sie nur wenig über den namibischen Frauenfußball. Nur so viel: Frauen- und Mädchenfußball steckt noch in den Anfängen, wird erst seit 2004 ernsthaft gefördert, das erste offizielle Länderspiel der Frauen-Nationalmannschaft fand 2007 statt, Mädchenfußball wird in sechs von insgesamt 13 Fußballbezirken des afrikanischen Landes gespielt. Und die U 20-Frauen Namibias bestreiten derzeit die Qualifikation für die WM in Deutschland. Die Informationen, die Margret Kratz also mit auf ihre Reise nahm, waren nicht sonderlich üppig.

Die Erfahrungen, die die Fußballlehrerin im Rahmen ihres Aufenthaltes machen durfte, gerieten dann umso reichhaltiger. „Ich war absolut überrascht, nicht nur über die Disziplin, sonder über das Niveau und den Fortschritt, den ich bei der Arbeit mit den Mädels erleben konnte.“ Zwei Wochen lang bot Margret Kratz praktische und theoretische Einheiten an, absolvierte mit dem Team daneben zwei Testspiele, arbeitete intensiv an der Taktiktafel und auf dem Feld. Schon bei ihrer Ankunft und der ersten Vorstellungsrunde fühlte sie sich mehr als willkommen, wurde warmherzig aufgenommen. „Ich hatte das Gefühl, alle freuen sich auf dieses Ereignis und habe in viele leuchtende Augen geschaut.“

Großer Herzlichkeit und menschliche Wärme

Insgesamt absolvierte Margret Kratz mit den Spielerinnen der Jahrgänge 1990 bis 1995 in beiden Wochen 16 Praxis- und sieben theoretische Einheiten. Bis zu zwei Stunden wurde jeweils intensiv gearbeitet, mehrmals am Tag. „Vor allem gruppentaktisch gibt es viele Defizite“, erläutert Margret Kratz, die von der großen Einsatzbereitschaft der Gruppe begeistert war. „Sie waren todunglücklich, wenn wir ihnen mal einen Tag frei geben wollten und haben alles aufgesaugt, was sie erzählt bekamen“.

Dieses große Engagement, verbunden mit großer Herzlichkeit und menschlicher Wärme, hat Margret Kratz bewegt. Und noch etwas kann die Fußballlehrerin nicht vergessen: Die Eigenverantwortlichkeit, mit der die jungen Namibierinnen ihre Aufgabe angingen. „Das hat mir gezeigt, dass wir noch viel mehr Verantwortung von unseren Auswahlspielerinnen fordern müssen“, sagt Margret Kratz und wird nachdenklich. „Wir müssen fordern und nicht verwöhnen.“

Namibias U-20 will zur WM nach Deutschland

Wieder zurück im verschneiten Saarland verspürt sie eine große Zufriedenheit gepaart mit der Gewissheit, dass es genau die richtige Entscheidung war, fußballerische Aufbauhilfe in Namibia zu leisten. Wegen der sportlichen Herausforderung, aber auch den vielen menschlichen Begegnungen und tiefen Eindrücken in dem fremden Kulturkreis. Eine Wiederholung des Ganzen will sie jedenfalls nicht ausschließen.

Vielleicht sieht sie „ihre Mädels“ ja schon schneller wieder als gedacht. Dann nämlich, wenn sich die U 20-Frauen von Namibia für die Weltmeisterschaft in Deutschland, die vom 13. Juli bis 1. August in Bielefeld, Bochum, Augsburg und Dresden ausgetragen wird, qualifizieren. Der Anfang ist für das Team jedenfalls gemacht. Die Mannschaft erreichte nach Siegen in Hin- und Rückspiel über Botswana die nächste Qualifikationsrunde, die im Februar ausgetragen wird.

http://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=500014&tx_dfbnews_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=21313&tx_dfbnews_pi4%5Bcat%5D=204

Hindjou takes over from Kanalelo - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 01/17/2010.

Ronnie Kanalelo has been fired as Eleven Arrows coach and will be replaced by assistant coach Congo Hindjou, until a new coach is appointed. Kanalelo’s dismissal follows their 2-0 defeat to SKW on Saturday, which saw their poor run continue this season as they dropped down to ninth on the log with only 10 points from 11 matches. In the process they have only registered two victories, while drawing four matches and losing five.

After the defeat, Arrows’ owner JJ Doeseb confirmed to Namibia Sport that they had parted ways.

“We have parted ways amicably with Ronnie Kanalelo as the head coach of Eleven Arrows. The assistant coach Congo Hindjou will be moved up into the acting capacity of head coach until we find a suitable candidate to replace Ronnie,” Doeseb said.

Doeseb emphasised that the parting had been amicable and praised Kanalelo for his professionalism.

“I must emphasise that Ronnie is a true professional who understands the game and the business of football and that’s why I can proudly say that our parting was amicable and based on a mutual understanding,” he said.

Doeseb said that Hindjou would take charge of the team until he found a suitable replacement. He said he had confidence in Hindjou despite his limited experience as a coach.

“I trust Congo and I have confidence in him but the hunt has already started and the new coach will be announced in due course”

Since taking over as Arrows’ owner, Doeseb has beefed up their squad with several big name signings. Last season he brought in national players like Muna and Tara Katupose, Freedom Puriza and Edward Damaseb, while he also appointed former African Stars coach Gilbert Rwasoka as head coach.

Despite finishing fifth in the Premier League and reaching the Cell One NFA Cup final where they lost to Orlando Pirates on penalties, Rwasoka was fired at the end of the season.

Doeseb appointed Kanalelo to take over as head coach, with Hindjou as his assistant, while several more big name players were signed at the start of the current season. Experienced national defender George Hummel was appointed, along with national midfielders Victor Helu and Edward Asino and Ramblers midfielder Bernadine Mbilizi.

The changes however failed to achieve the desired results and Arrows suffered a further blow when Helu tragically died on December 12 after suffering a stab wound to the head in Katutura. Since then, Mbilizi has also returned to Ramblers, leaving them seriously short of experience in midfield.

Against SKW on Saturday, Arrows were thoroughly outplayed as Milton Chapo and Edwin Korukuve each scored a spectacular goal to send Arrows crashing to their fifth defeat of the season.

Chapo opened the scoring with a great shot from the edge of the box on 30m, while Korukuve sealed SKW’s victory with a stunning 30m cracker on 77m.

Akan replaces Pfannenstiel - Submitted by Helge Schutz Wed, 13/01/2010

Ali Akan will replace Lutz Pfannenstiel as head coach of Ramblers, while Pfannenstiel will remain the director of football, following a meeting between the two and members of Ramblers’ executive committee on Tuesday.

Ramblers chairman Harald Hecht issued a statement on Tuesday evening stating that Akan would be in charge of the Premier League side as coach, while Pfannenstiel would be in ‘overall control’ of football at Ramblers.

“Due to existing international commitments of Lutz Pfannenstiel, the following restructuring became necessary: Pfannenstiel will remain director of football at Ramblers, working in conjunction with, inter alia, Ali Akan, the newly appointed head coach of the Ramblers’ Premier League side. Pfannenstiel will head the Youth Academy and will build international relations, and will remain in charge and assume overall responsibility for all Ramblers’ football matters including the Premier League,” Hecht stated.

On further enquiry Hecht said that Akan would be responsible for the team selection, for training and for team tactics. Pfannenstiel will be the goalkeeping coach, and will also sit on the bench ‘at times.’

“Pfannenstiel will help to analyse matches and will take overall responsibility,” Hecht said.

Hecht said that the appointment of Akan had become necessary due to the fact that Pfannenstiel was not always available for training, due to international commitments, while Akan had a better understanding of Namibian football.

The issue cam to a head on Tuesday after Pfannenstiel objected to Akan’s appointment as head coach on Monday. He said that as technical director, he was in charge of all coaching matters and that he would not be pushed aside.

“It is true that I have other projects and that I often have to go overseas, so it is good to have another coach, but I have the feeling that I am being pushed aside. I will never be somebody’s marionette with no influence – that is not for me,” he said.

It remains to be seen how Pfannenstiel and the controversial Akan will work together and how their roles will develop. Of special interest will be the directive that Pfannenstiel will take “overall responsibility” for the team’s performances, even though he will not be the head coach

Pfannenstiel maintains he is in charge - Submitted by Helge Schutz on Tue, 12/01/2010

The position of Ramblers’ head coach remained unclear on Tuesday after incumbent Lutz Pfannenstiel remained adamant that he was still in charge. Former Black Africa coach Ali Akan told Namibia Sport on Monday that he had been appointed as Black Africa’s head coach, but on Tuesday, Pfannenstiel disagreed, saying that he had been appointed as technical director of the team and, as such, he would be in charge of all coaching matters.

“I was appointed as technical director of Ramblers and as such, I am responsible for all footballing matters. I don’t have a problem with Ali Akan, and I rate him highly as a coach, but a lot of things still need to be discussed to iron out our roles. I am still the technical director and, as such, I am in charge of all the coaching matters,” he said.

Pfannenstiel was appointed as technical director by Ramblers club members Harald Hecht and Mark Kutzner, but they subsequently handed the management of the football club over to George and Nelson de Purificao and Joseph Martin, in order to concentrate on running Ramblers Club as a whole.

The latter three approached Akan to take over the coaching duties, despite the fact that Pfannenstiel had signed a lucrative one-year contract with the club.

“I didn’t come here to enjoy the nice weather. I have a long term plan for Ramblers and signed a lucrative one year contract with the option to renew for two years,” he said.

According to Pfannenstiel his brief was to oversee the technical department, as well as to develop youth football and to help create a football academy, amongst others.

George de Purificao told Namibia Sport that Pfannenstiel was still the technical director of the club but said that he would have to work together with Akan in coaching the first team.

“We haven’t defined their positions completely yet, but the idea is that they will work together in coaching the first team. Lutz is involved in a lot of projects at the club and we feel that he can’t give his full attention to the first team,” he said.

Nelson de Purificao said they had appointed Akan because they had to act soon to try and halt Ramblers’ poor position on the log.

“The team is struggling and we needed someone to get us out of our current position. It was our decision to appoint Ali because of his experience in Namibian football. We must still discuss the coaching issue with Lutz and Ali, but we want them to work together,” he said.

Pfannenstiel, meanwhile, revealed that the latest developments had put him in a compromising position after he had to renege on an agreement to appoint three new European players for Ramblers.

“I was in Europe and was busy finalising the appointment of three European players, when Ramblers pulled the plug at the final moment, due to financial reasons. One of the players had already resigned from his club and they are all extremely upset with me now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramblers member Harald Hecht told Namibia Sport that they would hold a meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the new coaching structure with regard to Akan and Pfannenstiel.

Fransman joins SKW - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Wed, 01/13/2010

Cymot SKW have announced the signing of one of Namibia’s top young soccer players, goalkeeper Diego Fransman. The 23-year-old Fransman recently returned to Namibia after a successful spell in South Africa, where he studied Sport Management at Northlink College in Cape Town.

Fransman soon made his mark in South Africa and in 2007 he represented his college team at a student championship tournament in Johannesburg, where he won the goalkeeper of the tournament award. He continued to maintain a high level of form and discipline and went on to win the Student Keeper of the Year award consecutively in 2008 and 2009.

Before he left for South Africa he had broken into Ramblers’ senior team, while he has also gained national honours at junior level. In 2005 he received an award for goalkeeper of the tournament at a national youth tournament in Windhoek and the following year he made his debut for Namibia Under 20 at the Cosafa Championships in South Africa. Fransman is also currently the Namibian national Under 23 goalkeeper.

According to SKW’s co-coach Rolf Beiter, Fransman has made a good impression at training and is eager to take over the number one jersey for their first team.

“We are happy to have Diego in our squad and he is doing well at practise,” he said.

Fransman’s arrival has added a lot of depth to SKW’s goalkeeping department where they also have the services of the experienced Harry Januarie and Namibia’s national under 20 goalkeeper Andre Fug.

Fransman could possibly make his debut for SKW when they start the second round of the MTC NPL campaign with a home match against Eleven Arrows on Saturday afternoon.

Beiter said that preparations for the match were well on track and that SKW had already played two practise matches against Ramblers and first league side Tura Magic, winning both 4-1.

Nujoma Stadium loses Astroturf By: CORRY IHUHUA The Namibian

THE International Football Federation (Fifa), in consultation with Greenfields Sport Turf Systems, has decided to remove the artificial turf at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, which they claim affects playability because of serious structural problems in various parts of the complex. This came to light in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Windhoek, Niilo Taapopi, which states that the structural problems have led to the movement of the sub-base, and “affects the playability of the synthetic turf system”. “We have therefore decided, in consultation with Fifa, to remove the artificial turf system. We shall use the same material, which is in impeccable condition, for the football pitch at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Training Centre,” the letter written by Sophocles Sophocleous, an inspector from Greenfields, says. Greenfields Sport Turf Systems is a Fifa-approved manufacturer of artificial football turfs and also provides additional expertise in civil engineering and project management. It was responsible for assigning a local company to lay the Astroturf at the stadium through the Fifa ‘Win in Africa with Africa’ project.

The turf was a gift from Fifa.

Sophocleous further states in the letter that they had tried to fix the problems on a number of occasions, only for them to resurface soon after.

“The latest inspection, which had taken place in mid-December 2009, has led to the conclusion that these problems are the result of serious structural weaknesses of the whole complex,” he said. “Signs of these are evident on the stands, the outside drainage channel and other parts of the structure.”

Yesterday, Taapopi said he had to check with his colleagues who might have received the letter while he was on leave before making a comment.

The City of Windhoek’s spokesperson, Liz Sibindi, requested written questions in order to consult with the department responsible for the stadium.

The Namibia Football Association’s (NFA) Chief Executive Officer, Barry Rukoro, who also received the letter, said: “The NFA was not directly informed about the possibility that the turf will be moved to the envisaged NFA Technical Centre. What we have seen is a letter from Greenfields to the City but we have not seen the City’s response on the matter. “It will therefore be premature for us to comment on the matter at this stage. What we can say is, however, that the faci-lity has proven itself to be good for the development of Namibian football where it is. What the future holds is not yet clear,” he said.

The letter was also addressed to George Mayumbelo, the City of Windhoek’s Strategic Executive on Economic Development and Community Services, as well as Nancy Brandt, the Manager for Parks at the Municipality.

Neither of them could be reached for comment.

The construction of the Sam Nujoma Stadium was completed in 2005 and was done by Namibia Construction, a local company.

The engineer of the project, Peter Roland at Buhrmann and Partners, said yesterday that he had nothing to do with the laying of the turf, but acknowledged that there was a “big fight” about it being installed. “All I can say is that there are minor areas where the plaster fell off that we are currently fixing and I cannot say anything about the laying of the plastic grass. It was a decision purely taken by the authorities at the municipal and football level,” he said.

However, The Namibian understands that the installation of the turf has up to now not been officially approved by the City of Windhoek, as they were not entirely happy with it because of several mistakes. Normal grass was first planted after the completion of the 10 300-seat stadium, but had to be removed just over a year ago for the laying of the Astroturf, which is now also proving problematic as there is no proper drainage system. Several Namibia Premier League matches have had to be called off because of water on the turf, while the Namibian women’s team could also not complete their Under-20 World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday because of a water-logged pitch.

The match was called off at half-time and was replayed on Sunday at the same venue.

Stars display their title credentials - Submitted by Helge Schutz on Fri, 01/29/2010

African Stars displayed their title credentials with an emphatic 2-0 victory against Tigers on Friday night. After an even first half of few chances, Stars stepped up the pace and second half goals by Ninja Karongee and Ronald Ketjijere ensured their victory.

The victory put Stars four points clear of Pirates at the top of the log, although Orlando Piraters have a game in hand, against Oshakati City on Saturday.

A lot had been expected from fourth placed Tigers, but they were no match for Stars, who on this display look like odds on favourites to retain their title.

In an uneventful first half, most of the play took place in the middle of the park as neither side could break through the defence.

Stars however took the lead early in the second half when Jamu Ngatjizeko launched a counterattack and put Ninja Karongee clear who sent a cracking 30m shot high into the net.

Stars’ fans went crazy, as some bottles were thrown on the field, but order was restored and the game could continue.

Tigers came close when captain Tangeni Shipahu headed inches wide, but Stars came back with Karongee and Rudi Louw putting in strong attacks.

Stars’ substitute striker Ikuaterua Tjozongoro injected a lot of pace and they nearly went further ahead when winger Edison Muheua headed a Tjozongoro cross against the post.

Stars’ pressure however finally paid off as Ronald Ketjijere slammed a 30m shot into the net after a corner clearance.

In the final stages Tigers’ substitute striker Kenny Malgas broke into the box but Stars’ keeper Max Mbaeva saved bravely at his feet.

African Stars 2 Tigers 0

Stars:

Ninja Karongee 54’, Ronald Ketjijere 74’

Brave Warriors to play Bafana - Submitted by Helge Schutz on Mon, 02/01/2010

Namibia’s Brave Warriors will play South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in an international friendly match in Durban on Wednesday, March 3. The coach of the Brave Warriors Tom Saintfiet told Namibia Sport that the South African Football Association had agreed to host Namibia in a friendly international match after discussions between SAFA and Namibia Football Association president John Muinjo.

“John Muinjo has good contacts with Danny Jordaan and SAFA and they recently arranged the match. On Friday we received a fax from SAFA saying that they would host Namibia in Durban on March 3,” he said.

The match will take place at Durban’s new World Cup Stadium, the Moses Mabhida Stadium which was unveiled in February last year.

Saintfiet said he was excited by the news and was looking forward to the challenge.

“It is very exciting news. I like to play the big guns and now we will play against Namibia’s big brother, South Africa. It will be very difficult because Bafana Bafana recently beat Swaziland 6-2 and Zimbabwe 3-0,” he said.

Since the match will take place on an international FIFA date for friendlies, Saintfiet will be able to call up Namibia’s foreign based players and he said he would try and field the strongest possible squad.

“We will try to assemble our strongest squad and see if we can do better than our neighbours against Bafana Bafana.”

Saintfiet said he would announce a squad of home-based players who will attend a training camp in Windhoek by mid-February. He said he hoped that the foreign-based players would be able to join the squad one week before the match, although according to FIFA rules, foreign based players only need to join the team 48 hours before a match.

According to the latest FIFA rankings, South Africa are ranked 28 places above Namibia. South Africa are ranked 85th in the world and 18th in Africa, while Namibia are ranked 113th in the world and 30th in Africa.

Although South Africa have a higher ranking, and many more professional players, the two countries are tied in head-to-head matches. Namibia won their first encounter 3-2 in the Cosafa Cup competition in Windhoek in January 1998, but South Africa gained revenge with a 4-0 victory in the African Cup of Nations finals in Burkina Faso a few weeks later.

In 1999 Namibia once again beat South Africa 4-1 on penalties in the Cosafa Cup competition in Windhoek, but South Africa finally shed their Windhoek jinx when they beat Namibia 1-0 in a friendly match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in September 2007.

Namibia has also played a South African Development side twice in recent years, losing 1-0 in the Cosafa Cup competition in 2008 and winning 2-1 in a friendly in Windhoek in October last year.

Players move in Premiership - Submitted by By: CORRY IHUHUA Namibian

PLAYER movements in the MTC Premiership were effected on the last day of the window period, with a lot of activity coming from Civics, Black Africa, Eleven Arrows Orlando Pirates and Ramblers.

The window period for the domestic league officially closed on Wednesday and as tradition has it, team owners scrambled to get players on their books just in time.

The biggest movers this time are Civics duo Eslin Kamuhanga and Sedekia Haukambe who resigned from Civics and are now faced with a dilemma of their contracts which are still active at the club. Team manager Paul Stramis said the players want to leave, but are contracted and will have to find a way to let them go if the interested team agrees to meet their demands. The two are rumoured to be going to Black Africa. Black Africa’s hard-running defender, Hans Witbooi, rejoined his former coach Ali Akan at Ramblers after he resigned at Black Africa on Tuesday, while Nigerian internationals Paul Dickson and Benson Naukoro have both been cleared by Ramblers to play for Eleven Arrows.

Romanus Shilongo left Orlando Pirates to join Eleven Arrows, while the coastal outfit in the meantime released Kelesuis Kandjimi to join Civics.

Arrows released Zino Buys to join Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW), while Oshakati City has cleared Paulus Shilomo to join United Stars for the remainder of the season.

Civics striker Nelson Angula has been loaned to Ramblers, while Blue Waters released goalkeeper Shiku Merksedek to rejoin his former side Oshakati City.

City also acquired the services of Zimbabwean player Shirinda Fungai, while Blue Waters cleared Joseph Dawids to join Tigers.

Defender Freddy Kauzuu makes a return to top-flight football when he rejoins Blue Waters from its feeder team Blue Boys, while Knowledge Ipinge also returns to Blue Waters after a spell at Civics.

SKW has acquired the services of John Marcus from Germany after their forward Tjono Jagger resigned to join Black Africa.

From the lower divisions, Mabareng Engelbrecht was snapped up by Orlando Pirates from Monitronic College and will do duty for the Buccaneers this time.

On the international front, Steven Goaxab, who turned out for South African-based first-division side Carara Kicks, will most likely return to Pirates, while Brian Gurirab, who plays for Angolan-based premiership side Primero de Maio, might return to join Arrows. Both players are yet to receive their International Transfer Certificates (ITC).

South African-based Bidvest Wits defender Richard Gariseb has received his ITC and is likely to rejoin his childhood side Pirates again.

Former Tigers player Trywell Kaira also got his ITC from the Swedish Football Association where he played for Assyriska Norrkoping and is now free.

corry@namibian.com.na

Turf war over Sam Nujoma Stadium - Submitted by By: CORRY IHUHUA Namibian

BÜHRMANN and Partners Consulting Engineers are threatening to sue Greenfields Sport Turf Systems after the latter claimed that the Sam Nujoma Stadium had serious structural problems. The engineers were responsible for the construction of the multimillion-dollar complex which Greenfields now claims is falling apart. Greenfields addressed a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the Windhoek City Council, Niilo Taapopi, which states that structural problems have led to the movement of the sub-base, “which affects the playability of the synthetic turf system”. “We have therefore decided, in consultation with FIFA, to remove the artificial turf system. We shall use the same material, which is in impeccable condition, for the football pitch at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Training Centre,” read the letter written by Sophocles Sophocleous, chief executive officer of Greenfields. The Namibian carried a story on the claims made by Greenfields on January 26. This week, Bührmann and Partners decided to sue Greenfields, slamming the Greenfields allegations as unsubstantiated and constituting a defamatory attack on the professional integrity of the engineers involved. “We reserve our rights to hold you liable for substantive damages suffered as a result of your entirely baseless and wrongful statements. “We can assure you that we will not permit this matter to go unchallenged and that we will take whatever action, including resorting to legal proceedings if that is necessary, to protect our good name and professional reputation,” stated Peter Roland, a partner at the firm, in a letter to Greenfields dated January 27.

DENIALS

On January 29, Sophocleous replied via e-mail that he has never claimed to be an authority on the subject, nor has he communicated with the newspaper, but purely communicated to the City of Windhoek what the line of action should be after having inspected the stadium. “It was never our intention to cast doubt on your professional competence and quality of your work,” Sophocleous states in his e-mail, adding that the leak of his communication with the City Council to the newspaper was not his responsibility. Sophocleous says the claims he made were just an internal communication between his company and the City Council. “We are ready to visit Windhoek as early as next week (this week) in order to discuss the issue and present our views,” he said. But, in a reply dated February 1, Roland angrily reacted: “In the circumstances unless you immediately and unequivocally retract your statements and procure such correction and an appropriate apology to be communicated to not only the WCC, but also published in The Namibian, we will regrettably have no choice but to pursue the legal route in order to secure whatever relief we are entitled to.” Roland yesterday said that he had not received a response from Sophocleous yet. Meanwhile, City Council spokesperson Liz Sibindi maintains that in the City’s opinion there are no structural weaknesses which impact the playability of the field. “It is worth mentioning that before the artificial turf was installed, FIFA’s agent inspected the SNS and found the facility to be suitable for the artificial turf,” she said. However, Sibindi added that the City Council didn’t get an answer after requesting Greenfields to provide it with the inspection report.

The Sam Nujoma Stadium cost about N$64 million and was completed in 2005. It can seat 10 300 people.

corry@namibian.com.na

Interview AZ Allgemeine Zeitung

Der Sportklub Windhoek (SKW) war eine von zwei Mannschaften, die vom Aderlass der Spitzenteams profitierte. In einer souveränen Partie besiegte man Blue Waters mit 2:0 und rangiert sich jetzt punktgleich mit den Walvisbuchtern auf Platz sechs ein.

Im Gegensatz zum schlechten Auftritt der vergangenen Woche – wo der Mannschaft jeglicher Kampfgeist und jegliche Taktik fehlte – trat der Sportklub gegen die Blue Waters von Beginn an diszipliniert auf. „Wir haben uns vorgenommen die Walvisbuchter sofort unter Druck zu setzen, welches zu 100 Prozent aufging“, erklärte Rolf Beiter die Taktik gegenüber der AZ und fügte hinzu, „somit fielen auch die Tore schon in der zehnten und zwölften Minute.“ Doch wie so oft, ging der Sportklub danach mit seinen Torchancen sehr spendabel um und versäumte es, den Sack frühzeitig zuzumachen. Am Ende sollte es trotzdem zu einem ungefährdeten Heimsieg reichen.

Bester Spieler des SKW war Pitzi Eichhoff – die Treffer schossen Jacky Stephanus und Milton Chapo. Nach diesem guten Auftritt sind auch die alten Saisonziele wieder aktuell. „Dadurch dass die Anderen für uns spielten, haben wir wieder Kontakt zur Spitze. Unser Ziel ist nach wie vor, am Ende der Saison unter die besten drei Mannschaften zu gelangen“, betont der SKW-Trainer abschließend.

Brave Warriors squad for Bafana match Submitted by Helge Schutz, 02/08/2010

Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet has called up five new players to his 25-man squad in preparation for the friendly international match against South Africa in Durban on March 3.

African Stars goalkeeper Max Mbaeva makes a return to the squad after an absence of more than a year, after being dropped due to disciplinary reasons.

Blue Waters defender Gotlieb Nakuta has been recalled after an absence of more than a year, as has former Brave Warriors captain and central defender Michael Pienaar, who plays for South African first division club Carrara Kicks.

Midfielder Letu Shatimuene, who plays for Angolan Premier League side Deportivo de Huilo, has been recalled to the squad after an absence of more than two years, while Orlando Pirates midfielder Johannes Seibeb receives a call up after some impressive performances in the Namibia Premier League.

The match, which will be played at the recently completed Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, will form part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup 100 Day Countdown event, as it takes place exactly 100 days before the start of the World Cup on June 11.

The squad includes nine foreign based players in Pienaar, Shatimuene, Hartman Toromba of South African first division side Vasco de Gama, Oliver Risser of Norwegian second division side Manglerud Star, Razundara Tjikuzu of Turkish Super League side Diyarbakirspor, Paulus Shipanga of South African first division side Bay United, Rudolph Bester of South African Premier League side Maritzburg United, Henrico Botes of South African Premier League side Platinum Stars and Wilko Risser of German fourth division side Eintracht Trier.

Saintfiet said there had been a lot of misunderstanding regarding Namibia’s Angolan-based players in the past.

“We had called up Letu Shatimuene before but due to poor communication with his club he failed to arrive in the past. But we don’t have a problem with him and hope he will be available this time. With regard to our other Angolan based players, Brian Gurirab is on his way back to Namibia at the moment, while we have a lot of choice in the central midfield position where Dumisa Jantze plays,” he said.

Answering a question as to why Tigers striker Tangeni Shipahu was not included in the squad in place of Wilko Risser, Saintfiet said that the players were not comparable.

“Tangeni was too slow against Zambia and in Tigers’ match against African Stars he hardly touched the ball. Wilko Risser is a professional player in Germany and although Tangeni is a talented player, you cannot compare the Namibian Premier League to the German professional league. Furthermore, Tangeni went to Germany to attend trials last year but he did not make the grade,” he said.

The Namibia squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Athiel Mbaha (Orlando Pirates), Virgil Vries (Eleven Arrows), Max Mbaeva (African Stars).

Defenders:

Hartman Toromba (Vasco de Gama), Gotlieb Nakuta (Blue Waters), Richard Gariseb (Orlando Pirates), Steven Goagab (Orlando Pirates), Ralph Ellinger (SKW), Nelson Geingob (Civics), George Hummel (Eleven Arrows), Oliver Risser (Manglerud Star), Michael Pienaar (Carara Kicks).

Midfielders:

Quinton Jacobs (African Stars), Ninja Karongee (African Stars), Rudi Louw (African Stars), Razundara Tjikuzu (Diyarbakirspor), Letu Shatimuene (Deportivo de Huila), Sidney Plaatjies (unattached), Paulus Shipanga (Bay United), Johannes Seibeb (Orlando Pirates).

Forwards:

Rudolph Bester (Maritzburg United), Henrico Botes (Platinum Stars), Wilko Risser (Eintracht Trier), Heini Isaacks (Civics), Eslin Kamuhanga (Civics).

Shipahu, Chapo lead goalscorers chart by Helge Schutz

The race for the Top Goalscorer award is hotting up with only seven rounds left in the 2009/10 MTC Premiership season. After 15 of the 22 rounds completed, Tigers striker Tangeni Shipahu and SKW midfielder Milton Chapo lead the goalscorers chart with nine goals each, with a host of other players in hot pursuit.

Both players found the net in matches last weekend, with Shipahu scoring a goal in Tigers’ 2-0 victory against United Stars on Saturday, while Chapo scored a goal in SKW’s 2-0 victory against Blue Waters.

Hot on their heels are Black Africa striker Jerome Louis and United Stars winger Alfred Shimuma. Each player scored a goal apiece when the two sides drew 2-2 on January 30, although neither one found the target last weekend, as Stars lost 2-0 to Tigers, while Black Africa drew 0-0 against Hotspurs.

Civics striker Pineas Jacob and Ramblers’ young striker Ananias Gebhardt follow with seven goals each. Gebhardt has been in hot form, scoring two goals in Ramblers’ 3-0 victory against SKW on January 27, and a further goal in their 1-all draw against Orlando Pirates on February 3.

Jacob scored a goal in Civics’ 3-2 defeat to Oshakati City on January 30, but failed to find the mark in their 3-0 defeat to Arrows the previous week.

Three other players follow on six goals each, namely Meraai Swartbooi of Orlando Pirates, Clarence Foroma of Black Africa and Ninja Karongee of African Stars.

The top goalscorers after Round 15 are as follows:

9 Tangeni Shipahu – Tigers

9 Milton Chapo – SKW

8 Jerome Louis – Black Africa

8 Alfred Shimuma – United Stars

7 Pineas Jacob – Civics

7 Ananias Gebhardt – Ramblers

6 Meraai Swartbooi – Orlando Pirates

6 Clarence Foroma – Black Africa

6 Ninja Karongee – African Stars

5 Bradley Wermann – Civics

5 Raphael Nuumbembe – Oshakati City

4 Heinrich Kazerua – African Stars

4 Tommy Mvula – Blue Waters

4 Richard Kavendji – Hotspurs

Stars come from behind to beat Oshakati City - Submitted by Helge Schutz Sun, 02/14/2010

African Stars came from behind to beat Oshakati City 3-1 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday night to maintain their lead at the top of the MTC Premiership log.

Playing in front of about 5 000 fans, Oshakati City took the lead against the run of play when Fanie Matheus volleyed home a cross by Fungai Chirinda.

Stars however stepped up the tempo in the second half and more chances came their way. Edison Muheua came close on 59m when his volley was cleared off the line by Jackson Nuule, but their pressure finally paid off seven minutes later when Oshakati defender Samson Kawawa headed a high ball into his own net.

Stars took the lead in clinical fashion from a swift counterattack on 79m. Oshakti City substitute striker Tateati Pengeyo raced clear on goal but Stars’ keeper Max Mbaeva rushed out to save at his feet and immediately launched a counterattack. The ball sped to Dennis Ngueza on the right wing who sent in a cross and substitute striker Gerson Katjatenja volleyed home from close range.

Stars continued attacking and won a penalty on 87m when Rudi Louw was fouled in the penalty box by Oshakati keeper Nalimanguluke Indongo. Louw stepped up to take the spot kick and although Indongo dived the right way, he could not stop the ball from passing under him into the net.

Second placed Orlando Pirates kept up the pressure with an important 2-0 away win against Blue Waters in Walvis Bay. Pirates’ young midfielder Sem Iipinge scored both goals to keep the pressure on African Stars, with Pirates now just two points behind.

Civics returned to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 victory against Ramblers on Saturday. They had lost 3-0 to Eleven Arrows and 3-2 to Oshakati City in their previous two matches, but on Saturday were in brilliant form as they overwhelmed Ramblers from the start.

Bradley Wermann put them ahead after only a minute when he slammed in a Pineas Jacob cross, while Tugela Tuyeni made it 2-0 on 16m when he headed in an Eslin Kamuhanga corner.

Kamuhanga turned finisher just before halftime when he latched onto a throughball by Jacobs to hit the back of the net with a cracking 25m shot.

Ramblers offered hardly any resistance and Civics captain Heini Isaacks put the issue beyond doubt on 64m with a brilliant 25m strike that rocketed into the net.

Eleven Arrows’ revival under Congo Hindjou continued as they beat United Stars 2-0 in Grootfontein, with Joseph Chanda scoring a brace.

On Friday, Hotspurs shocked SKW with a 2-1 victory, with goals by Richard Kavendji and Veron Itope, while Zino Buys replied for SKW.

On Thursday, Jerome Louis scored a great hattrick as Black Africa came from behind to beat Tigers 3-2 and move up to third position on the log.

Louis opened the scoring on 27m, but goals by Tangeni Shipahu (35m) and Kenny Malgas (40m) put Tigers ahead at the break.

Black Africa stepped up the pace after the break and two more goals by Louis on 49m and 82m gave them a memorable victory, to replace Tigers in third position – now six points off the pace.

Final Brave Warriors squad - Submitted by Helge Schutz Wed, 02/24/2010

Tafel Lager Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet has announced his final 19-man squad to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in an international friendly match in Durban on March 3.

The match will take place at the 70 000-seater Moses Mabhida Stadium and will form part of the 100-Day World Cup countdown festivities, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter also due to be in attendance.

Saintfiet said it would be a ‘massive’ game that he was looking forward to.

“I like to play the big guns and now we will play against Namibia’s big brother, South Africa. It will be very difficult because Bafana Bafana recently beat Swaziland 6-2 and Zimbabwe 3-0. But we will see if we can do better than our neighbours against Bafana Bafana,” he said.

“As a coach I dream about playing against World Cup competitors as well as our big brother neighbour in a big stadium so it will be a massive game for us,” he added.

Saintfiet dropped six players from the original squad of 25 following training sessions at the Sam Nujoma Stadium from February 15 to 17. The players who were dropped are goalkeeper Max Mbaeva, defenders George Hummel, Gotlieb Nakuta and Ralph Ellinger and midfielders Letu Shatimuene and Johannes Seibeb.

The Angolan-based Shatimuene had been called up before but failed to arrive for training due to a lack of communication between the NFA and his club, and he will now once again not be in action. Saintfiet said he still wanted to see Shatimuene at in action at a training camp but that there was not enough time and that he had enough cover in his position.

“I hope to get the opportunity to see Letu at a training camp in future, but now we have limited time to prepare and we have selected players who know my system. We also have enough options in Letu’s position on the right wing, where we can use Paulus Shipanga, Heini Isaacs or Rudi Louw,” he said.

Saintfiet said that George Hummel was still suffering from a groin injury while the other players were dropped because there were better candidates in their positions.

The final squad of 19 players sees the return of defender and former Brave Warriors captain Michael Pienaar, who plays for South African first division club Carara Kicks, after an absence of 18 months.

“We called Michael up before for the DRC game but then he was injured. But he has performed well for his club in South Africa and we know that we can rely on him,” Saintfiet said.

Saintfiet has called up nine foreign-based players to his squad, although Collin Benjamin of Hamburg is still unavailable due to injury. His foreign-based players include midfielder Razundara Tjikuzu of Turkish Super League club Diyarbakirspor and defender-cum-midfielder Oliver Risser who recently signed a two-year contract with Norwegian first division side Lyn Oslo.

Final squad:

Goalkeepers

Athiel Mbaha and Virgil Vries.

Defenders

Hartman Toromba, Richard Gariseb, Steven Goagub, Nelson Geingob, Oliver Risser, Michael Pienaar.

Midfielders:

Quinton Jacobs, Ninja Karongee, Rudi Louw, Razundara Tjikuzu, Sydney Plaatjies, Paulus Shipanga, Heini Isaacks, Eslin Kamuhanga.

Strikers:

Rudolph Bester, Henrico Botes, Wilko Risser.

MTC Premiership Roundup – 26, 27 & 28 February 2010 source TJ Ashipala

With a total of twelve goals scored over three days, Round 18 of our local league was far from dull. African Stars salvaged a point to return to the top of the log while Civics and Black Africa scored emphatic victories.Friday night saw Cymot SKW continue their poor form at the Sam Nujoma Stadium when they were thrashed by three goals to nil by Civics. The result moved Civics to within one point of SKW who are currently seventh on the log.

On Saturday, Oshikandela Ramblers put United Stars to the sword in Grootfontein with a well deserved three goals to one victory that boosted the visitors quest for survival while further denting those of new boys United Stars.

Meanwhile at the coast Blue Waters came so close to an upset but were disrupted by a late goal from African Stars that stopped the Beautiful Birds from picking up a famous win. The draw was enough to see Stars reclaim the top spot with a better goal difference than Orlando Pirates and the title challenge is shaping up to be the most exciting we have seen in many a year.

Wesbank Tigers could only play out to a nil all draw when they entertained resurgent Bizhub Eleven Arrows at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. No doubt Arrows caretaker Coach Congo Hindjou will be the happier with the point.

The delayed match between Black Africa and FNB Oshakati City that got underway on Sunday morning ended with Ricardo Manetti’s charges thoroughly dismantling the men from up north who seemed to have one foot on the bus home by three goals to none. livethescore.com

Brave Warriors stun Bafana in pulsating draw Submitted by Helge Schutz

The Tafel Lager Brave Warriors gave a sensational performance to hold South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to a 1-1 draw in a pulsating friendly international on Wednesday night.

Playing at a near capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Rudolph Bester momentarily shocked the 60 000 odd fans into silence when he put Namibia ahead on 41 minutes. But Bafana Bafana came back strongly in the second half and Katlego Mphela equalised on 70m.

The match, which formed part of the 100-Day Countdown to the World Cup celebrations, was a great spectacle on the field as well as off it, as the fans’ vociferous support, the constant Mexican waves and the deafening vuvuzelas all added to the excitement and drama of the evening. Bafana were the first to attack with Anele Ngcongca forcing an early corner, while Namibian keeper Athiel Mbaha saved a cross by Lance Davids. Bafana captain Teko Modise came close with a 20m shot on 18m but Mbaha pulled off a fine diving save, to tip the ball for a corner. At the other end Namibian striker Wilko Risser had little room to move as he was tightly marked by Siyabonga Sangweni, but Rudolph Bester managed a shot at goal that was comfortably saved by Itumeleng Khune.

The tempo increased as both teams launched quick counterattacks, with Mphela looking dangerous for Bafana, while Namibia’s wingers Sydney Plaatjies and Razundara Tjikuzu put in some strong runs. Tjikuzu was the instigator for Namibia’s goal when he broke through a tackle down the right flank and crossed the ball to Bester on the edge of the box, who volleyed past a diving Khune into the left hand corner of the net.

The crowd was momentarily shocked into silence and when the halftime whistle sounded a few minutes later, South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira looked a worried man. Parreira made several half time substitutions and Bafana came back with a vengeance after the break. Reneilwe Letsholonyane shot over the bar, Tlou Segolela had a shot saved by Mbaha and Siphiwe Tshabalala shot over the bar with a long range effort.

Bafana came close on 63m when Segolela raced onto a throughball, but Mbaha rushed off his line to clear the ball just in time.

A cross by Daine Klate went agonisingly close, and Bafana’s pressure finally paid off when Bryce Moon launched a quick counterattack down the right wing and crossed to an unmarked Mphela who beat Mbaha with a shot into the left hand corner. In the final quarter Bafana’s tempo was disrupted by Namibian coach Tom Saintfiet, who made numerous substitutions, as Heini Isaacks, Paulus Shipanga, Rudi Louw and Michael Pienaar all came on.

In the final stages, Letsholonyane, Klate and Mphela all had shots on goal, but they could not break through Namibia’s resolute defence, where Oliver Risser and Richard Gariseb were in fine form. But it was in midfield where the Brave Warriors shone, led by captain Quinton Jacobs and Ninja Karongee, who gave battling performances to keep Bafana’s dangerman Teko Modise in check.

Saintfiet was full of praise for his team at the post match press conference. “I am very proud of my players. They played like real Brave Warriors and tonight we showed that we are the same size as South Africa,” he said.

Violence disrupts Leo NFA Cup Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine online 07/03/2010

Namibia’s most lucrative cup competition, the Leo NFA Cup was overshadowed by crowd unrest during the African Stars-Tigers match at the SKW stadium on Saturday evening.

With Stars leading 1-0, violence erupted midway through the second half when a fan on the packed western main stand started throwing bottles at opposing fans. Spectators started running in all directions as fighting broke out and a security guard tried to defuse the tension by firing a warning shot. According to a match official, the instigator

The violence was soon brought under control but according to a match official, the instigator broke his leg when he fell off the stand after being kicked and he was later taken to hospital by an ambulance.

The NFA issued a statement on Sunday saying that it had launched an investigation into the incident and would take action in due course.

“The NFA assures the football loving fraternity that it awaiting reports from the Security firm entrusted with provision of security at the game as well as the report from the Match Commissioner.”

“The NFA will peruse the reports as soon as possible and due investigation will be undertaken to determine the right course of action, where necessary,” it said.

“The Association again reiterates that the facility’s magnitude was and is viable to host any match at the moment and regrets that some individual or group of people behaved unruly and indeed jeopardised the safety of others, including the players,” it added.

Meanwhile, the match resumed after a half hour delay as Stars went on to beat Tigers 2-0.

It was a remarkable result, bearing in mind that Stars’ national midfielder Ninja Karongee was sent off after only 16 minutes after picking up two yellow cards.

Despite being a man down, Stars looked more dangerous on the counterattack and took the lead on 36m when Heinrich Kazerua ran onto a Rudi Louw throughpass to shoot home from close range.

Stars’ substitute striker Ikuaterua Tjozongoro increased their lead with a goal on 82m when he beat Tigers’ outrushing keeper Charles Uirab to the ball to stab it into an empty net.

Tigers’ hopes of a late comeback suffered a final blow when captain Tangeni Shipahu was red carded for swearing at the referee.

In Otjiwarongo Eleven Arrows thrashed Omeege United 7-0 with winger Romanus Shilongo scoring a record six goals and Dickson Paul the other.

Civics however recorded the biggest victory of the weekend when they thrashed Kavango United 12-1.

Alfred Ndyenge scored four goals, Bradley Werman and Pineas Jacob each scored three and Tugela Tuyeni and Ashley Jossop each scored one in Civics’ rout.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates were pushed all the way before beating Golden Bees 1-0 through a 70th minute goal by Stanley Kamesiepo.

In Walvis Bay, Black Africa beat Blue Waters 3-1 with Da Costa Angula scoring two and Clarence Foroma one goal, while Gotlieb Nakuta scored for Blue Waters.

Saturday’s results were as follows:

Leo NFA Cup Last 32

Chief Santos 2 Young Beauties 1

Eleven Arrows 7 Omeege United 0

Sailors 0 Ramblers 6

Civics 12 Kavango United 1

Blue Waters 1 Black Africa 3

African Stars 2 Tigers 0

Orlando Pirates 1 Golden Bees 0

Namibia hold slender lead over Angola by Helge Schutz Namibia Sport Magazine 8Mar2010

Namibia came from behind to beat Angola 2-1 in a hard fought and physical first leg African Women's Championships qualifier at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Sunday. Angola’s centre forward and captain Irene Goncalves put the visitors ahead on 37 minutes, but second half goals by Thomalina Adams and Lena Fredericks gave Namibia a 2-1 victory.

Namibia now take a slender lead into the second leg encounter in Luanda on March 19, with the aggregate winner set to qualify for the finals in South Africa later this year.

Angola were the first to attack and Goncalves soon made her presence felt with her powerful runs into Namibia’s box.

Namibia’s defence, well marshalled by captain Queen Manga managed to keep her out, and their first attack came on 10m when a Stella Williams header was comfortably saved.

Both sides were fired up and tackled with conviction and the game was regularly interrupted due to injuries.

Namibia’s diminutive midfielder Juliana Skrywer came close when she burst into the box on 35m but Angola’s keeper Dionisia Domingo just managed to clear the ball in time. Two minutes later Angola took the lead when Goncalves ran onto a fine throughball and chipped the ball over Namibia’s outrushing keeper, Bonnita Eixas.

Goncalves nearly scored a second shortly after the break but her shot was tipped away for a corner, and as the game progressed more chances came Namibia’s way.

Lena Fredericks came close with a long-range effort on 23m and their pressure paid off five minutes later when Adams slammed home a clearance from a corner.

Angola came back strongly and Namibian keeper Eixas did well to save a Goncalves cross on 77m, but it was Namibia who took the lead through a great 30m strike by Fredericks on 80m that slammed into the roof of the net.

Angola pushed hard in the final stages and nearly equalised when Rosa Prata broke into the box, but Susanna Eises brought off a great tackle to dispossess her just in time.

Namibia 2

Thomalina Adams 73m, Lena Fredericks 85m

Angola 1

Irene Goncalves 37m

Pirates face Civics in Leo NFA Cup by Helge Schutz Namibia Sport Magazine 10Mar2010

Defending champions Orlando Pirates face a tough task after being drawn to play Civics in the Leo NFA Cup Round of 16 at Soccer House on Wednesday morning. In a strange twist of fate it was the third successive year that the two teams have been drawn to face each other in the second round. Another interesting fact is that the winner has each time gone on to win the trophy, with Civics winning in 2008 and Pirates in 2009.

The match was the stand out clash for the Round of 16 matches to be played on April 9 and 10, after the draw was made at Soccer House on Wednesday morning.

In the only other match involving two Premier League teams, Black Africa will take on United Stars of Rundu.

Ramblers, who thrashed Sailors 6-0 in the first round, will take on Omusati second division side Unam Ogongo, who surprised Premier League side Oshakati City with a 3-2 victory last Saturday.

Eleven Warriors of the Northern Stream First Division, who beat Premier League side Hotspurs 5-3 on penalties after a full time score of 3-3, will take on Karas Second Division side Try Again, who beat Gariseb Orlando Pirates 1-0 on Saturday.

SKW who just sneaked into the last 16 after beating Tura Magic 8-7 on penalties after a full time score of 2-2, will now meet Otjozondjupa Second Division side African Lions, who beat Shaluza Chiefs 4-1 last Sunday.

Northern Stream First Division side Chief Santos, who beat Young Beauties 1-0 last Saturday, will now meet fellow Northern Stream First Division side Mighty Gunners, who beat Bee Bob Brothers 5-4 on penaltirs after a full time score of 2-2 last Sunday.

The defending league champions and current log leaders African Stars, who beat Tigers 2-0 last Saturday, will meet Young Rangers of the Oshikoto Second Division, who beat Onambula United 4-2 last Saturday.

Eleven Arrows, who thrashed Omeege United 7-0 last Saturday, will now meet Khomas Second Division side Spoilers, who beat Space Age 6-0 last Sunday.

The secretary general of the NFA Barry Rukoro said that the venues still have to be finalised, but that the matches would probably take place in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Tsumeb or Otjiwarongo.

Meanwhile, Eleven Arrows winger Romanus Shilongo is the early leader in the Leo NFA Cup Top Goalscorer competition after scoring an incredible six goals against Omeege last Saturday.

He is followed by Alfred Ndyenge of Civics on 4 goals, while Bernadine Mbilizi of Ramblers, Bradley Wermann of Civics, Pineas Jacob of Civics and TJ Namdjembo of Spoilers on 3 goals each.

The Last 16 draw of the Leo NFA Cup is as follows:

Civics v Orlando Pirates

Black Africa v United Stars

Unam Ogongo v Ramblers

Eleven Warriors v Try Again

African Lions v SKW

Chief Santos v Mighty Gunners

African Stars v Young Rangers

Eleven Arrows v Spoilers

Newspaper Cup team to play Warriors announced - Namibian

By: Sheefeni Nikodemus

THE 2010 The Namibian Newspaper Cup Shadow Team to face the flailing Brave Warriors on April 4 has been announced.

Traditionally the team is selected and announced after the semi-final stage from top performers in that tournament, but this year the organisers have selected a team from previous tournaments to make up the Shadow Team.

The change will see the Brave Warriors facing a sterner test from its fringe players who will be looking to earn a recall if they put in a sterling display.

The highly anticipated exhibition match has produced plenty of excitement over the years as the Brave Warriors have found the Shadow Team a tough knack to crack. Last year the Shadow Team gave the Warriors a torrid time but lost 2-0.

At the launch of the competition last week, The Namibian’s Deputy News Editor, Christof Maletsky, said the competition was a stepping stone for future Brave Warriors players.

Brave Warriors Eslin Kamuhnaga and Rodger Katjiteo, who top-scored in last year’s tournament, played against Botswana in the friendly international at the weekend.

“Many players come through this tournament before anyone else acknowledges them. The tournament plays an important role in young players development and many have gone on to play in the national team.”

The competition, which caters for under-20 players from all 13 regions of Namibia, produced some fine football and attracted huge crowds last year.

This year the tournament will be held at the Sam Nujoma Stadium between April 1 and 5.

The 2010 Shadow team consists of Ephraim Tjihonge, Max Mbaeva, Pat-Navin Uanivi, Gotlieb Nakuta, Angula Da Costa, Brain Brendell, Klaas Blom, Tara Katupose, Wycliff Kambonde, Alfred Ndjenge, Muna Katupose, Rodger Katjiteo, Kenny Malgas, Eusebio Fredericks, Sidney Urikhob, Dylian Mieze, Benson Shilongo and Brian Bantam. - sheefeni@namibian.com.na

Akan calls on Saintfiet to resign - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Mon, 03/29/2010.

Black Africa coach Ali Akan has called for the resignation of Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet, saying that it would be the honourable thing to do following Namibia’s elimination by Seychelles from the African Championships (CHAN Cup) competition.

Namibia drew 1-1 against the Seychelles in Windhoek on Saturday, but were knocked out 2-1 on aggregate after losing the first leg 2-1 in the Seychelles on March 13.

“If you can’t beat a small country like the Seychelles at home then something is wrong. I believe any team in the Namibia Premier League would have beaten the Seychelles, even Hotspurs,” he said.

Akan said that the tactics employed by Saintfiet were wrong.

“The Brave Warriors’ performance was very poor. The tactics were completely wrong. If you are 1-0 down you have to score goals, but they still played too defensively,” he said.

After the match Saintfiet criticised his management for not organising a passport in time for Black Africa’s young striker Roger Katjiteo, saying that it had deprived him of a striker after Katjiteo was not permitted to play, barely two hours before the start of the match.

Akan, however, said that Katjiteo should not have been in the team in the first place.

“Roger is young and has a great future, but he doesn’t have any experience. He is not even in the Black Africa first eleven,” he said.

Akan said he did not agree with the tactics employed by Saintfiet.

“We didn’t see anything, there was no passing or offensive football and to use a defender as a striker – was that Plan B,” he asked.

“The wingbacks don’t overlap, but this means that the strikers always have to fall back to the middle line if we lose possession. No one uses these tactics in modern football and with these tactics we will never get anywhere,” he said.

Akan said Saintfiet must explain why they lost.

“This is a national issue, because now Namibia is out of the competition. Someone has to take the blame and as the coach he must now say why we lost. If we lose to a team like Nigeria or Egypt then it is understandable, but to lose to a poor country like the Seychelles is not acceptable,” he said.

Saintfiet said he did not want to react on Akan’s statements but said that there was a big gulf in class between the local based Namibian players and the foreign-based professional players, and that the level of the local league was not up to standard.

“This was not our national team, it was our home based team playing against Seychelles' national team. In Zambia they call it their B team and in South Africa they call it their development team, so why don’t they call this Namibia’s development team? This result just confirms what I have been saying for the past two years, that our local league is not good enough,” he said.

Saintfiet also dismissed criticism of his tactics.

“How can people say our tactics were too defensive. We were attacking for 70 minutes of the game and we had about 15 freekicks and 25 corners, but nothing happened and we could not score. We could have played for five more hours but would not have scored,” he said.

He said that he should be judged on the performances of the senior Brave Warriors side.

“Overall I am very satisfied. People might have forgotten that we played a very good game against South Africa three weeks ago with our first national team and we are going to qualify for the African Cup of Nations in 2012, there is no doubt about that,” he said.

Saintfiet said his main mission was to qualify Namibia for the 2012 African Nations Cup.

“The moment that I do not qualify Namibia for the African Nations Cup, everyone can ask for my head. That’s my mission – I’m here to qualify the first national team for the real African Nations Cup and we are going to do that. The Gambia and Mauritania matches will be played this year and we will get good results, I have no doubt about that,” he said.

Hard lessons for U-17s - by Carlos Kambaekwa - 06 April 2010

WALVIS BAY – Namibia’s Under-17 football team found the going tough in the bi-annual Four Nations friendly tournament at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay last weekend.

The hosts opened their assault in the Easter youth tournament on the wrong foot after Woody Jacobs’ young brigade were thrashed 6-1 by Angola in their first match. However, the boys dusted themselves off and squeezed past Botswana in a closely contested encounter that produced goals galore that saw the hosts emerge 5-4 winners.

It was back to square one for the hosts when the Namibians suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the visiting Westphalia in a one-sided match.

The Germans easily waltzed past the hapless Namibians after scoring eight goals without a reply after 90 minutes of action. Westphalia’s gangling striker Phillip Hoffmann was the architect behind his team’s runaway victory after the FC Schalke 04 youngster netted five goals in the match – with three of those coming via powerful headers.

In other action, Angola thrashed Botswana 4-1 before Baby Palanca Ngeeras were brought down to earth by the technically superior Westphalia in an exciting match that saw action swing from end to end. The Germans triumphed 2-1 to retain their unbeaten run in the round robin stage and in the process set up an intriguing final clash against the muscular Angolans. Westphalia also saw off Botswana 5-0 in the qualifying round.

Urged on by a large home crowd, Namibia could not lay her hands on the consolation prize for the 3rd place playoff when the youngsters failed to negotiate their way past Botswana – going down 3-1 to take the wooden spoon from the four-day youth tournament.

Namibia was using the tournament as preparation for the CAF Youth Championship first leg qualifier against South Africa at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Sunday.

In the final match, Westphalia moved into second gear after the changeover, to send down the stubborn infant Palanca Negras 4-0 after the technically superior Germans had taken a 2-goal cushion at the break. Westphalia crowned their Namibian Safari with another fine display to maintain their unbeaten record after four rounds of matches in the youth tourney.

Four Nations friendly tournament final log standings:

1) Westphalia

2) Angola

3) Botswana

4) Namibia

Civics beat Pirates in thriller - Submitted by elge Schütz, 04/09/2010

Civics dumped defending champions Orlando Pirates out of the Leo NFA Cup in one of the most dramatic matches in recent years on Friday night. Civics showed great determination to overcome a 2-1 halftime deficit and a man down to equalise late in the second half.

In an incredible penalty shoot out, fortunes swayed to and fro until Bradley Werman scored with his spot kick to give Civics a 6-5 victory and set off scenes of jubilation.

Klaas Blom gave Pirates the lead on 24m when he stabbed in a cross by Gerry Keister, but the goal spurred Civics on who attacked relentlessly. Eslin Kamuhanga hit the post from a freekick on 35m and in a carbon copy two minutes later Bradley Werman hit the post, also from a freekick.

Civics’ pressure paid off on 39m when Sedekia Haukambe caught Pirates’ keeper Heribert Kapeng off his line with a high cross that looped over his head and into the net.

Civics’ fortunes however took a turn for the worse when defender Erastus Ndjavera was red carded after lashing out at Steve Goagub on 42m and two minutes later Pirates won a penalty after Klaas Blom was fouled in the box.

Civics’ players vented their fury at the referee and Tugela Tuyeni received a yellow card as Ronaldo Tsowaseb beat Civics keeper Ephraim Tjihonge, striking his spot kick high into the net.

The second half was punctuated by fouls and stoppages for injury on both sides, while Pirates defender Enrico Afrikaner was taken to hospital with a leg injury.

The drama continued unabated as Pirates’ winger Stanley Kamesiepo hit the post after a run into the box, while Kapeng brought off a point blank save from Bradley Werman at the other end.

Haukambe was once again instrumental in Civics’ second goal as he sent in a cross to Eslin Kamuhanga who slammed the ball into the net with a great volley on 80m.

In the final stages Civics substitute Rudi Jacobs volleyed in a cross from Pineas Jacob but the linesman disallowed the goal for offside.

The penalty shootout went down to the wire as each team had to take nine spot kicks before Civics emerged victorious.

In between three shots hit the upright, while both keepers brought off stunning saves before Werman finally scored the winner, beating a diving Kapeng with a shot into the left hand corner.

Stars move clear after beating SKW - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 14/04/2010

African Stars moved three points clear at the top of the MTC Premiership after a hard fought 1-0 victory against SKW on Wednesday night.

Brouwers Litombo scored the winning goal midway through the first half and although SKW had numerous chances in the second half, they could not break through Stars’ defence.

With only three matches remaining in this season’s league campaign, Stars are now well on track to retaining their title.

After a tentative start, Stars went on the attack and Litombo came close, only to be denied by a good save by Januarie on 22m.

Two minutes later, however, Litombo latched onto Karongee’s defence splitting pass to beat Januarie from close range.

SKW upped the tempo and with Edwin Korukuve and Michael Mauha in great form in midfield, they started to dominate possession.

A great throughball by Korukuve on 36m found Milton Chapo but his shot was well saved by Max Mbaeva.

SKW dominated possession in the second half, but Mbaeva kept Stars’ lead intact with several fine saves, while at the other end Ikuaterua Tjozongoro missed a great chance when he blasted over the bar from close range.

But despite all their possession, SKW could not break through as Stars held on for victory, which now puts them in pole position to retain their title.

Black Africa turn on the style - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 18 April 2010

Black Africa turned on the style to beat Ramblers 4-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday and keep their faint title hopes alive. Black Africa took a while to break down Ramblers’ defence but then put the issue beyond doubt with three goals within 10 minutes.

The victory puts BA on 34 points – five behind African Stars and Pirates, but still in with a small mathematical chance of winning the title.

BA opened their account in the first half injury time when Bryan Bantam headed a Kiriri Moussa cross past a diving Lutz Pfannenstiel.

Shortly after the restart Clarence Foroma beat Pfannenstiel from close range when he latched onto a great throughpass by Marco van Wyk and three minutes later Jerome Louis slammed home a cross by Bantam to make it 3-0.

Substitute midfielder Willy Stephanus put the icing on the cake with a fine solo goal 10 minutes from time when he calmly sidestepped Pfannenstiel to put the ball into an empty net.

Tigers fell out of the title race when they lost 2-1 away to Oshakati City. National Under 20 striker Benson Shilongo scored both goals for Oshakati, while Tangeni Shipahu replied for Tigers.

Eleven Arrows moved to within two points of Tigers after beating Hotspurs 2-1 in Walvis Bay, with the Katupose twins Muna and Tara each scoring a goal.

In another match at the Kuisebmund Stadium United Stars did well to hold Blue Waters to a 1-1 draw, but the point will not be enough to save them from relegation. Stars are now five points behind third last Oshakati City and are set to be relegated with Hotspurs.

Stars beat Pirates in thriller - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 24 April 2010

African Stars moved to the brink of their second successive Premiership title when they beat their closest rivals Orlando Pirates 1-0 on Friday night. In a pulsating match in front of about 8 000 fans at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, striker Heinrich Kazerua put Stars ahead early in the second half when he slammed home a long cross from Henry Somseb.

Pirates attacked relentlessly in the final stages and nearly equalised, but Stars captain Andrew Tjahikika saved a certain goal when he cleared a shot by Johannes Seibeb off the line.

The victory put Stars three points clear of Pirates at the top of the log and with only two matches remaining, they are now almost certain of retaining their title.

In a fast and furious match of attacks and swift counterattacks, both teams created numerous goal scoring chances.

Pirates keeper Athiel Mbaha was called into action early on as he cleared threatening attacks by Brouwers Litombo and Heinrich Kazerua.

At the other end a Seibeb freekick went over the crossbar, while a shot by Gerry Keister went narrowly wide.

Ninja Karongee came close for Stars after a fine attack by Rudi Louw on 23 minutes and 10 minutes later there was drama when a rebound shot by Kazerua hit the back of the net, but the linesman disallowed the goal for offside.

Pirates came close after the restart when Ekane Ndile headed wide from a Stanley Kamesiepo cross, but it was Stars who took the lead on 56m. Henry Somseb sent in a long cross from the right, the ball was dummied in the centre and reached an unmarked Kazerua at the far post, who slammed the ball into the net.

Stars’ fans went wild with delight, but Pirates immediately struck back when Johannes Malgas scored from close range only to be ruled offside.

With Seibeb and Klaas Blom initiating attacks, more chances came Pirates’ way and with seven minutes to go Stars’ captain Andrew Tjahikika saved a near certain goal when he cleared a shot by Seibeb off the line.

But Pirates could not make use of their opportunities and Stars held on for hard fought victory.

Venue problems for Leo NFA Cup quarterfinals - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Wed, 28/04/2010

Venue problems surface in Leo NFA Cup

The Namibia Football Association will go ahead with the Khomasdal Stadium as the venue for Leo NFA Cup quarterfinal matches on Thursday and Friday, but will limit ticket sales to 2 000 people per match to avoid crowd congestion.

African Stars executive member Brian Makari expressed reservations about the Khomasdal Stadium as a suitable venue in a local daily on Wednesday, citing its limited space and lack of security facilities.

On Wednesday morning the NFA however held a press conference and later issued a statement in which they said that the Khomasdal Stadium was the only suitable venue at this stage.

The crux of the problem relates to the sole branding rights that Leo’s main competitor, MTC, enjoys at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, and a contract between the City of Windhoek and MTC that does not allow for advertising at the stadium by rival companies.

Some of the matches of the previous round of the Leo NFA Cup competition were staged at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, but Leo were not allowed to put banners and advertising branding up at the stadium. NFA spokesman Dan Kamati accused the City of Windhoek for not attempting to alleviate the situation, saying that Leo could not stage its competition at the venue under the present restrictions.

“It is by now common knowledge that the NFA and Leo have made all efforts to organize matches of the Leo NFA Cup at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. The City of Windhoek has not been cooperative in creating the necessary conditions for the matches of the Leo NFA Cup to take place at that venue. You will be aware that we have organized the matches of the round of last sixteen at the same venue. If you were present you will have appreciated that the atmosphere was not conducive for a competition of that magnitude,” he said.

“The total absence of the sponsors branding at the venue created a flat atmosphere at the matches. The normal euphoria associated with this competition was totally absent and continuing to play under those conditions will destroy this competition,” Kamati added.

Kamati said that the NFA would only sell 2 000 tickets per match for the two matches that are scheduled to take place at the Khomasdal Stadium. Thursday night’s encounter between Civics and Ramblers is not expected to draw too many fans, but Friday night’s match between African Stars and SKW could pose a problem.

Stars have by far the biggest fan base in Namibia and last Friday about 8 000 fans turned up for their MTC premiership match against Orlando Pirates at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Kamati called on Stars fans who do not have tickets, to be cooperative and not go to the stadium.

“We have consulted the City of Windhoek on the allowed number of spectators and will strictly sell only that number of tickets to the public. Tickets will only be sold on Friday, 30th April 2010 at Soccer House from 08h00 to 15h00. Only fans holding tickets will be allowed to approach the stadium. It is here that we are sure we need your (Stars’) support by calling on your supporters not to come to the stadium if they do not have tickets to the match,” Kamati said in the statement, which was addressed to Makari.

Kamati called on African Stars to cooperate with the NFA on the matter, saying that they would be held responsible for their spectators at the match.

“The NFA shall not expect African Stars to take responsibility if we allow more fans then the allowed number of spectators. The club will remain responsible for those spectators who are allowed in the stadium on the basis that they bought tickets for the match. The club will also be responsible should any of their fans, who could not buy tickets, try to force their way into the Stadium. All of us, African Stars included, are therefore advised and requested to work with NFA to call on the fans not to come to the stadium if they do not hold tickets to the match,” he said.

Tickets for Thursday night’s match between Civics and Ramblers will be sold between 08h00 and 13h00 on Thursday at Soccer House.

Kamati told Namibia Sport that there were no other suitable venues in Windhoek to host the match at this stage. The Independence Stadium is being renovated and will not be available for at least two months, while MTC also has exclusive branding rights at the Hage Geingob National Rugby Stadium, after it baled out the Namibia Rugby Union a few years ago.

Kamati admitted that the venue for the final of the Leo NFA Cup, which is scheduled to take place on the weekend of May 29, could pose a problem but said they were working on it.

Stars to face Civics in final Submitted by editor Namibia Sport on Sat, 08/05/2010

African Stars and Civics will contest the Leo NFA Cup final after winning their semifinal encounters at the Legare Stadium in Gobabis on Saturday. In the opening match, Civics were pushed all the way by first division outfit Mighty Gunners, before prevailing 3-2 after extra time. In the second encounter, African Stars overcame Black Africa 2-0 in a professional display to remain on course for the double.

The match between Civics and Gunners was a dour affair that failed to reach many heights. Civics had the most possession, but it Gunners looked dangerous on the counterattack. Gunners midfielder Werner Waputauka headed against the post midway through the first half, while David Anton gave them the lead on 41m when he headed in a cross by Augustinus Kamati. Just before the break, Civics were however awarded a penalty when Bradley Werman was fouled in the box and Alfred Ndyenge made no mistake from the spot. Eslin Kamuhanga came on for Civics in the second half and immediately made an impression with his strong runs. He put Llewellyn Otto clear with a great pass on 58m but Gunners’ keeper Edwin Narib brought off a fine point blank save. Percy Khairabeb had a great chance at the other end when he was put clear in the box, but with only the goalie to beat, he blasted the ball over the bar.

Werner Waputauka was red carded after picking up a second yellow just before full time. With no more goals forthcoming, the match went into extra time and Eslin Kamuhanga soon broke the deadlock with a great 25m strike after a solo run. Tugela Tuyeni made it 3-1 in the second half of extra time with a long range effort that Narib failed to control and the ball squirmed into the net. Gunners won a penalty in the final minute when Percy Khairabeb was brought down in the box by Donelly Nel, and although Efraim Tjihonge managed to save Sageus Narimab’s shot, Narimab followed up to hit the rebound into the net.

In the second semifinal, goals by Ronald Ketjijere and Rudi Louw gave Stars a hard fought 2-0 victory against Black Africa. Stars were more dangerous from the start and came close to scoring when Pat Uanivi volleyed a Rudi Louw pass over the bar. Edison Muheua narrowly missed the target with a shot from the right, while BA keeper Arnold Subeb brought off a point blank save from Brouwers Litombo. Stars took the lead just before halftime trough a long strike by Ketjijere which Subeb failed to control, as the ball wriggled in under his body and into the net. BA’s chances were few and far between, with Jerome Louis blasting over the bar with a long range effort, while a Marco van Wyk shot was comfortably saved by max Mbaeva. Subeb pulled off a great point blank save from Henry Somseb, but with eight minutes to go, Rudi Louw assured Stars’ victory when he slammed home a cross by Brouwers Litombo. In the final stages BA attacked relentlessly, but Stars’ keeper Max Mbaeva pulled off some brave saves to deny Clarence Foroma and Denzil Haoseb. Stars held on for the victory which was wildly celebrated by their fans, decked out in red and white, amongst the 2 000 strong crowd.

Stars will now take on Civics in the final which takes place on May 29 in Windhoek.

MTC mulls NPL sponsorship - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Mon, 05/03/2010

The country’s mobile telecommunications giant MTC has said that it is “considering” its options regarding future sponsorship of the Namibia Premier League, following the Sam Nujoma Stadium branding debacle.

General Manager for Corporate Affairs, Albertus Aochamub said “we will not stay where we are not wanted.” This was in response to the utterances of the Secretary General of the Namibian Football Association (NFA) Barry Rukoro who allegedly said that MTC was holding the sport of football to ransom.

In a press release, Aochamub said “we are considering all our options given that the NFA seems unhappy with our investment in Namibian football.” It goes on further to say “we shall be duty bound to review all matters related to the partnership arrangements between the NFA (through the Premier League) and MTC.”

The statement leaves the Namibian Premier League guessing as to whether their biggest sponsor is threatening to pull out of the deal that was worth N$4,7 million for the 2009/2010 season and is set to increase by 10 per cent for the 2010/2011 season.

The problem relates to the permanent branding rights MTC enjoys at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. This became a sore issue with the football authorities as it meant that the Leo NFA Cup, which is sponsored by MTC’s main rival, Leo, could not be played in the stadium because of the very prominent MTC logos displayed there.

Things heated up when the NFA decided to host the quarterfinal match between the hugely supported African Stars and SKW at the Khomasdal Stadium. This did not prove to be a popular decision because of the limited seating and safety concerns at the stadium, raised by the African Stars’ Brian Makari in a statement to the media. As a result the NFA decided it would sell only 2 000 tickets for the match.

Aochamub also alleged that both the NFA and Leo never approached MTC to discuss the issue, but instead decided to raise the issue in the media. He said that “MTC was ready to discuss any solution that is in the national interest, but it would only do so without unduly prejudicing itself.”

He stated that MTC never refused that Leo put up their branding in the stadium.

“What is prohibited is to cover the permanent branding, but the in-field branding is available,” he added.

The statement also dismissed claims by the NFA that they were never consulted about the possible branding of the stadium prior to the signing of the contract between MTC and the City of Windhoek.

“The City of Windhoek offered the Namibia Football Consortium (NFC) the first right of refusal with regard to the branding at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.”

The NFA’s Barry Rukoro was said to be out of the office when called for comment.

Jahn und von Hundelshausen gehen - Allgemeine Zeitung - Vom 11.05.2010

Die Saison in der Premierliga neigt sich dem Ende und beim Sportklub Windhoek gilt es, von zwei Leistungsträgern Abschied zu nehmen. Mit Marcus Jahn und Günter von Hundelshausen stehen zwei Defensivakteure in der kommenden Saison nicht mehr zur Verfügung.

Routinier Günter von Hundelshausen wird beim SKW eine Lücke hinterlassen. Während für den deutschen Linksverteidiger Jahn das 4:4 im Nachholspiel gegen die United Stars am vergangenen Samstag die Abschiedsvorstellung war, wird Innenverteidiger von Hundelshausen in den verbleibenden zwei Ligapartien gegen Black Africa und die Tigers noch zur Verfügung stehen. Beim morgigen Heimspiel gegen Black Africa (Anstoß 19 Uhr) wird der 29-Jährige ein letztes Mal vor heimischem Publikum auflaufen. Das SKW-Trainergespann um Rolf Beiter hat sich frühzeitig auf eine Nominierung des einfachen Nationalspielers – er trug beim Unabhängigkeitsspiel am 21. März 2009 gegen Botswana das Trikot der Brave Warriors – für die Startformation festgelegt. Beiter: „Es ist ein besonderes Spiel für Günter.“ Nach dem Saisonende ist dann aber definitiv Schluss, „aus beruflichen und familiären Gründen“, so von Hundelshausen, der 1980 in Otjiwarongo das Licht der Welt erblickte. „Er wird uns mit seiner Erfahrung und Abgeklärtheit fehlen“, bedauert Beiter das frühe Karriereende seines Defensiv-Allrounders, der seit seiner Rückkehr vor zwei Jahren von einem fast neunjährigen Deutschlandaufenthalt für den SKW die Schuhe geschnürt hat.

Der ambitionierte Marcus Jahn hat stets durch seine Einsatzfreude überzeugt. Der 24-jährige Jahn wird morgen früh in seine deutsche Heimat zurückfliegen, um dort im Sommersemester an der Gutenberg-Universität von Mainz sein Studium der Sportwissenschaften fortzusetzen. Allerdings kann sich der frühere deutsche Juniorennationalspieler gut vorstellen, eines Tages nach Namibia zurückzukehren. „Es war eine schöne und lehrreiche Zeit. Ich wurde sehr herzlich aufgenommen, familiär umsorgt und bin dem SKW für die Gastfreundschaft und das in mich gesetzte Vertrauen zu großem Dank verpflichtet“, sagte ein wehmütiger Jahn wenige Tage vor dem Ende seines dreimonatigen Aufenthalts. „Mit einigen Trainerkollegen habe ich freundschaftliche Beziehungen geschlossen und gehe schon mit einem weinenden Auge“, sagte Jahn, der neben den Trainingseinheiten von diversen Jugendmannschaften teilweise auch die morgendlichen Einheiten der Premierligamannschaft geleitet und in diesem Bereich laut Beiter „einen hervorragenden Job gemacht hat“. Der Kontakt zwischen Jahn und dem SKW wird weiter gepflegt und könnte in einem weiteren Engagement in der Zukunft münden. „Von der SKW-Seite hat man mir signalisiert, dass man gerne längerfristig mit mir geplant hätte“, sagte Jahn vielsagend. Von Robby Echelmeyer

SKW schlägt Black Africa Allgemeine Zeitung - online Vom 14.05.2010

Zum Auftakt des vorletzten Spieltages der Fußball-Premierliga hat der Sportklub Windhoek den Tabellendritten Black Africa vor eigenem Publikum mit 2:1 geschlagen. Die rund 350 Zuschauer wurden Zeugen, wie der SKW in einer ausgeglichenen Partie das nötige Quäntchen Glück besaß, um am Ende drei Punkte einzufahren. Denn es waren die Gäste, die den besseren Start erwischten und durch Jerome Luis in Führung gingen (13.). SKW-Schlussmann Diego Fransmann konnte einen Schuss des früheren SKW-Spielers Marco van Wyk zunächst noch parieren, doch Luis hatte keine Mühe, den abprallenden Ball über die Linie zu schieben.

Nach der Pause kam der SKW dem Ausgleich immer näher. In der 68. Minute war es dann soweit, als Edwin Korukuve eine Vorlage von Milton Chapo per Hacke zum 1:1 vollendete. Nur drei Minuten später fiel der Führungstreffer für die Gastgeber: Elias Lisaku bediente mit einer Rechtsflanke Offensivallrounder Chapo, der den Ball mit einem wuchtigen Kopfball unhaltbar im gegnerischen Tor unterbrachte. „Wir haben im zweiten Abschnitt mehr Dampf gemacht und deshalb nicht unverdient gewonnen“, konstatierte SKW-Trainer Rolf Beiter.

Durch den Sieg hat sich der SKW, der mit 29 Punkten weiterhin Rang sieben bekleidet, die Chance erhalten, im Endklassement noch einen Platz zu klettern. Unterdessen könnte heute eine Vorentscheidung im Titelrennen fallen. Sollten die African Stars (42 Punkte) ihre Partie gegen die Civics gewinnen, wären sie aufgrund der besseren Tordifferenz kaum noch von den zweitplatzierten Orlando Pirates (39 Punkte) einzuholen, die morgen auf das Tabellenschlusslicht United Stars treffen. Zuvor werden die zuletzt erfolglosen Ramblers alles daran setzen, gegen die Eleven Arrows drei Punkte einzufahren. Die WesBank Tigers versuchen, durch einen Sieg gegen die Blue Waters Platz drei zu erobern, während Oshakati City die Hotspurs endgültig in die zweite Liga schießen könnte. Von Robby Echelmeyer

FIFA coaching course starts Monday Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine Fri, 21 May 2010

Namibian football is bracing itself for another FIFA course as the WIAWA Course for Elite Coaches starts on May 24 in Windhoek with FIFA Instructor Erich Rutemoller to conduct the course at Safari Hotel.

The Win in Africa with Africa (WIAWA) Coaching Course was planned for mid April but had to be postponed due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland that produced ash that interrupted air traffic in Europe, making it impossible for the Instructor to travel to Namibia.

But NFA Technical Director Klaus Staerk confirmed that the course will now start on Monday at Safari hotel after the NFA, the FIFA regional office in Botswana and Zurich have set next week as the course week with Rutemoller to arrive this weekend.

He further explained that the course will be attended by 30 coaches mostly from the Namibia Premier League and other selected youth coaches.

“CAF have also stated that coaches with five years experience in the league will be given a CAF C license after the course depending on recommendations by the NFA and the FIFA Instructor, while those who have attended coaching courses outside Namibia that are equivalent to the UEFA B license will also get a CAF B license”.

The Course will take participants through FIFA’s development programmes before taking them through a session on Analyzing and Coaching football at the top level.

Furthermore, participants will be inducted with the Organization and Planning of training sessions on Day two with Day three to concentrate on the physical preparation of players.

The programs will continue on Thursday with goalkeeper coaching and defensive work with Ramblers Technical Director and goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel to assist with goalkeeping.

Day five will see an emphasis on attacking play and formations and playing systems. On the final day, May 29, the coaches will be expected to debate on various difficulties in their profession with a closing ceremony in the afternoon before they depart.

Most of the practical sessions of the course will be practiced on a selected Under-17 side with about two sessions per day at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Mbaeva is Player of the Year Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine 26 May 2010

The curtain came down on the 2009/2010 MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) season with African Stars goalkeeper, Max Mbaeva winning the Player of the Season award on Wednesday morning.

“This is a big achievement for me. It means a lot for me and my family,” Mbaeva said about winning the award. He was up against his teammate Rudi Louw and Tangeni Shipahu from Tigers.

Mbaeva was the bedrock of the African Stars defense during the season. The team ended up conceding only 13 goals in the 22 games they played for the 2009/2010 season.

“We deserved to win the league title because we worked hard the whole season and we will continue to work hard to win the Cup on Saturday,” he added about the NFA Leo Cup final that they are due to play this weekend against Civics.

Mbaeva, who was suspended early in 2009 from the national team by the Brave Warriors coach, Tom Saintfiet after he failed to attend a training camp, was recalled to the national squad earlier this year.

“I am happy that I am now eligible for selection for the national team, I am going to work hard in order to be selected for the national team,” he said.

The NPL Top Goal Scorer for the just ended season was Jerome Louis with 17 goals for Black Africa. Louis was the winner last year with 22 goals.

On winning the award, Louis said, “it’s a good feeling to win it again, my real aim this season was to win something for my team. We had a good squad this season but things did not go according to plan.”

Louis however is yet to score for the Brave Warriors despite playing seven games in the national colours.

“It’s not only happening to me, even in Europe players who score for their clubs fail to score while on national duty. If I get a chance again I hope I will be able to score for my country,” he added.

The chairman of the NPL Johnny Doeseb speaking at the awards ceremony said that in the 2010/2011 season, the teams would all have to be registered as companies. “We will make sure that the broadcasting rights will be exploited to the maximum,” he added.

The Coach of the Year award went to African Stars coach Bobby Samaria for the second year in a row. This is after he led his team to two league championships and the final of the NFA Leo Cup.

The Team of the Year award went to African Stars after they won the 2009/10 season title. As a result they received the winners’ cheque of N$600 000, while second placed Orlando Pirates received N$400 000.

Doeseb awarded the Chairman’s award to the manager of African Stars, Lesley Kozonguizi and the owner of the Humphries Security Guard Division Laurentius Humphries.

Erich Rutemöller führt in Windhoek einen FIFA-Trainerkurs durch - 2.06.2010

In der vergangenen Woche hat die FIFA in Windhoek einen „Win in Africa with Africa“ (WIAWA)-Trainerkurs durchgeführt. Als Chef-Ausbilder hatte der Weltverband den deutschen Fußballtrainer Erich Rutemöller entsandt. Dieser ist seit 1994 in Diensten des Deutschen Fußball-Bundes (DFB) tätig und hatte zuvor auf Vereinsebene unter anderem Hansa Rostock und den 1. FC Köln trainiert.

Die mehr als 30 Teilnehmer des Kurses rekrutierten sich überwiegend aus den zwölf Premierliga-Vereinen, die je zwei bis drei Vertreter stellten. Komplettiert wurde das Teilnehmerfeld mit Trainern der Jugendnationalmannschaften. Die sechs Kurs-Tage bestanden aus einer dreistündigen Theorieeinheit in einem Seminarraum des Safari-Hotels am Morgen sowie zwei Praxiseinheiten im Sam-Nujoma- oder SKW-Stadion im weiteren Verlauf des Tages.

Die einzelnen Trainingsmodule waren miteinander verknüpft, sodass die von Rutemöller vermittelte Theorie am Nachmittag direkt in die Praxis umgesetzt werden konnte. Hierbei standen Jugendnationalmannschaften sowie zweimal die Damennationalmannschaft zur Verfügung. Verantwortlich für die Leitung der Praxiseinheiten waren jeweils die Kurs-Teilnehmer. Die erfolgreiche Durchführung dieser Einheiten sowie eine aktive Teilnahme am Kurs sicherten am Ende allen teilnehmenden Trainern die Ausstellung eines Zertifikates. - AZ-online von Robby Echelmeyer

Starkes Team: Erich Rutemöller, Torwarttrainer Lutz Pfannenstiel, SKW-Trainer und Kursteilnehmer Rolf Beiter sowie der technische Direktor der NFA, Klaus Stärk (v.l.n.r.), trugen zum Erfolg des WIAWA-Kurses bei.

Korukuve is SKW Player of the Year Namibia Sport - online

Midfielder Edwin Korukuve won SKW’s Player of the Season award at a function held at the club in Olympia, Windhoek on Monday evening.

Korukuve had a good season in which he scored four goals for SKW and provided a lot of crosses that resulted in goal scoring opportunities for the strikers.

Zimbabwean striker, Milton Chapo got the Golden Boot award after netting a total of 11 goals for his team. He was the second highest goal scorer in the Namibia Premier League, along with Tangeni Shipahu of Tigers and Alfred Shimuma of United Stars.

He also scored one goal in the Leo NFA Cup competition.

The Most Improved Player award went to Gustarv Isaak who managed to score three goals for his club this past season.

Defenders Ralph Ellinger and Warren Neidel shared the Most Enthusiastic Player award while Gunter von Hundelshausen won the Sportiest Player award for the second time in a row.

The Most Enthusiastic Club Official award went to manager Carla Starke.

SKW finished seventh at the end of the MTC Premier League 2009/10 season, which was won by African Stars. In the Leo NFA Cup, SKW was beaten 1-0 in the quarterfinals by African Stars, who were the eventual winners.

Gladiators' return leg called off - Submitted by Helge Schutz Thu, 30 June 2010

The Brave Gladiators’ planned trip to Equatorial Guinea has been called off due to the unavailability of connecting flights to the West African country.

The Gladiators who were supposed to play Guinea on Sunday, were informed that their connecting flight from the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg was called off and thus will not be able to make it on time to play the second leg of their African Women’s Championship 2010 qualifier match. Equatorial Guinea won the first leg 5-1 in Windhoek on 23 May.

According to a press release issued by the NFA, the match could have been postponed to Monday but due to circumstances beyond the team’s control it will not be changed.

The only other alternative for the Gladiators was to fly with Kenya Airways on Friday which meant that the team would arrive at 11h00 in Guinea on Sunday, leaving just four hours before the scheduled kickoff time of 15h00.

“Taking into consideration the usual delays, it is obvious that even if the team takes the option of Kenya Airways, the match will not take place and it will be a waste of resources,” the statement read.

NFA Women’s Desk Chief Jackey Gertze expressed her disappointment:

“It is indeed very disappointing considering all the resources spent to prepare for this return leg and also the significance of exposure and what is at stake, a place in South Africa 2010 (Africa Women Championship in October). But nevertheless we have to take things as they come and after what we have tried, it is not impossible for us to honor that match and unfortunately we now have to forfeit that encounter,” she said.

“The CAF rules allow us to request for a postponement but CAF has not replied even though we have told them about this since Tuesday after learning of the situation,” she added.

SKW-Saisonabschluss: Korukuve bester Spieler – Trainer Starke geht AZ-online

Ein siebter Tabellenplatz mit 32:35 Toren und 29 Punkten aus 22 Spielen – das sind die Zahlen, die das Abschneiden des SKW in der abgelaufenen Saison dokumentieren. In der vergangenen Woche beendete der Sportklub eine durchschnittliche Spielzeit mit seiner traditionellen Saisonabschlussfeier.

Im Rahmen dieser Veranstaltung auf dem Vereinsgelände des Cymot Sportklub Windhoek in Olympia wurden die herausragenden Akteure des zurückliegenden Jahres mit Preisen belohnt. Zu den geladenen Gästen des Premierliga-Vereins gehörte auch Axel Theissen, der Geschäftsführer des SKW-Hauptsponsors Cymot. In den kommenden Wochen wird es Gespräche geben, an deren Ende ein neuer Dreijahresvertrag zwischen dem Großunternehmen und dem Sportklub unterzeichnet werden soll.

Doch im Mittelpunkt der Saisonabschlussfeier stand die Preisverleihung: Den prestigeträchtigen Preis als bester SKW-Spieler der Saison erhielt der talentierte Mittelfeldspieler Edwin Korukuve. Neben seinen vier Saisontreffern überzeugte Korukuve insbesondere durch seine Flankenläufe, aus denen immer wieder Torgelegenheiten für seine Mitspieler entstanden. Als vereinsinterner Torschützenkönig wurde Milton Zivanayi Chapo mit einem Pokal ausgezeichnet. Neben einem Treffer im Leo-Pokal-Wettbewerb konnte der Angreifer aus Simbabwe in der Liga zehn Saisontreffer auf seinem Konto verbuchen. Damit war Chapo neben Nationalstürmer Tangeni Shipahu von den Tigers sowie Alfred Shimuma vom Absteiger United Stars der zweiterfolgreichste Schütze der Premierligasaison 2009/10. Torschützenkönig wurde wie im Vorjahr Jerome Luis von Black Africa, der 15 Treffer erzielte. In der Rubrik des am meisten verbesserten SKW-Spielers durfte sich der dribbelstarke Gustarv Isaak über eine Auszeichnung freuen. Warren Neidel und Ralph Ellinger wurden zu den einsatzfreudigsten Akteuren gewählt, während Managerin Carla Starke zum engagiertesten Vorstandsmitglied ernannt wurde. Günter von Hundelshausen erhielt wie schon vor Jahresfrist den Preis als mannschaftsdienlichster Spieler – in seiner letzten Saison für den SKW.

Doch nicht nur der 29-jährige von Hundelshausen wird sich zurückziehen. Mit Richard Starke verliert der SKW zudem seinen Chef-Coach. Acht Jahre lang war Starke Trainer der ersten Mannschaft, führte das Team in die Premierliga und etablierte den SKW dort als feste Größe. Aus beruflichen Gründen zieht er nun einen Schlussstrich.

Zwar wird Starke dem Verein noch mindestens bis zur Jahreshauptversammlung in zwei Monaten als erster Vorsitzender der Fußballsparte erhalten bleiben, an der Seitenlinie hat aber in Zukunft ein anderer das Sagen: Lucky Kakuva übernimmt das Zepter. In den vergangenen drei Jahren gehörte Kakuva bereits zum Trainerstab um Starke und Rolf Beiter, nun wird der B-Lizenzinhaber – er nahm im vergangenen Jahr an einem Trainerseminar in der renommierten Sportschule Hennef (Nordrhein-Westfalen) und Ende Mai an einem FIFA-Kurs in Windhoek unter Leitung des früheren Bundesligatrainers Erich Rutemöller teil – den Chefposten übernehmen.

Beiter wird weiterhin dem Trainerstab angehören, während mit Dino Balotti ein neuer Co-Trainer an Bord kommt. Der 24-Jährige italienischer Herkunft gehörte früher dem SKW-Rivalen Ramblers an und führte in der abgelaufenen Saison die „Young Ones“ in der First Division (Central South) als Chef-Trainer zum Klassenerhalt. „Er wird mit seiner Energie und Dynamik frischen Wind in den Verein bringen“, sagt Starke über den jungen Trainer, der zudem Managementaufgaben im Verein übernehmen wird und damit Starkes Frau Carla entlasten soll. Starke selbst wird in den kommenden Monaten zunehmend die Verantwortung als Vorstandsmitglied an seinen Vize-Vorsitzenden Jochen Traut abgeben. „Ich bin momentan beruflich und privat zu stark eingebunden“, erklärt Starke die Entwicklungen.

Nach Rang vier in der Vorsaison bezeichnet der 46-Jährige die zurückliegende Spielzeit mit Rang sieben im Endklassement und dem Viertelfinalaus im Leo-NFA-Pokal gegen den späteren Double-Sieger African-Stars als „enttäuschend“. Auch für die Spieler, die an der von Ligasponsor MTC zur Verfügung gestellten Prämie, die der Dachverband der Premierliga-Vereine (NPL) an die Klubs verteilt, beteiligt werden. Die Prämie orientiert sich an der Platzierung im Endklassement, wobei für den SKW auf Rang sieben lediglich 30 000 N$ heraussprangen. „Diese Platzierung entsprach nicht unseren Erwartungen“, so der scheidende Trainer, der auf den Schlüsselpositionen im Tor und im Sturmzentrum die entscheidenden Defizite ausmachte. „In der kommenden Saison muss die Meisterschaft das Ziel sein“, ist Starke zuversichtlich, dass es dem neuen Trainergespann gelingen wird, eine „schlagkräftige Mannschaft“ zusammenzustellen. Um diese Marschroute umsetzen zu können, sollen mindestens vier neue Spieler das Team verstärken, während es gilt, die Leistungsträger um Korukuve und Chapo zu halten.

Von Robby Echelmeyer

Black Africa, meets Cymot SKW in opener.

African Stars to face Blue Waters in their first 2010/11 season match Namibia Sport Magazine 24 June 2010

African Stars’ campaign to defend the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) title will begin at home to Blue Waters on the opening weekend of the 2010/11 season. The draw for the 2010/11 season was conducted at the NPL offices on Thursday morning in front of some of the teams' representatives.

Last season in their first leg encounter African Stars beat Blue Waters after Rudi Louw scored the only goal of the match. When the teams met again in the return leg Blue Waters almost got away with a win after Wycliffe Kambonde scored for them early in the game, only for Heinrich Kazerua to get the draw for African Stars when he scored in extra time. NPL Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Haikali, said that they wanted to bring more transparency into the drawing of the fixtures. “Every year, the fixtures of the league are released just days before the league kick off and after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the league,” Haikali said. “As with the conclusion of the league, that was concluded at the same time as all the other leagues in the world, so today also represents an opportunity for the NPL to join the transparency and accountability associated with the drawing of the fixtures for the new season,” he added.

The teams will be provided with the final fixtures of the league which will include dates, times and venues after the various clubs have had a chance to look at the fixtures at the AGM which will be held before the start of the season. Haikali announced that in the coming season clubs would be responsible for booking of venues for their home matches. “It will be the responsibility of the home teams to ensure that they secure facilities for their home games. This includes the security and changing rooms for the visiting teams and that there is standard medical personnel at the venues. This will no longer be the responsibility of the NPL,” he said. “The NPL will provide the teams with adequate funding for them to be able to do these things, “ Haikali added.

Haikali also said that the teams should meet the requirements of the new FIFA registration system. “The new FIFA registration system requires that the teams have an operational office with a computer with internet access. The NPL has inspected all the Windhoek based teams and will be visiting the rest of the teams before the start of the season to see that everyone complies with this new regulation.” The rest of the fixtures for the first week of the 2010/11 season will see Oshakati City playing host to the team that gets promoted to the NPL from the Northern Stream which is currently being led by Chief Santos after they won eight of their 12 matches so far.

Newly promoted Blue Boys from Swakopmund will host Tigers who finished fourth last season. Black Africa, who finished third last season will have a home match against Cymot SKW who ended the season in seventh position. Eleven Arrows, who were fifth, will travel to Windhoek to play against Ramblers who narrowly missed relegation when they finished the season in tenth position.

Orlando Pirates who missed out on winning the league title in the last game of the season will host the Leo NFA Cup finalists Civics.

Saintfiet a worried man

Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet is sitting with a dilemma. With less than two months to go till Namibia’s first match in their 2012 AFCON qualifying campaign, most of his first choice players are without a club while he is still searching for an opponent for an international friendly on August 11.

Saintfiet told Namibia Sport on Thursday that at least eight foreign based players are without contracts for the coming season, while only four players are currently in pre-season training with their clubs.

Namibian midfielder-cum-defender Oliver Risser is clubless since his Norwegian club Lyn Oslo is reportedly facing bankruptcy, while Razundara Tjikuzu is looking for a new club after his Turkish club Trabzonspor failed to renew his contract.

Quinton Jacobs has been clubless since leaving African Stars in January to play on loan for a Palestinian club. A number of European clubs are reportedly interested in his services, but they cannot meet the 80 000 Euro transfer fee that Stars have requested for his services.

Most of Namibia’s South African-based players have failed to get new contracts. They include defender Hartman Toromba of Vasco de Gama, Richard Gariseb of Bidwest Wits, Sydney Plaatjies, who was offloaded by Mamelodi Sundowns more than a year ago, Paulus Shipanga of Bay United and Steven Goagab of Carara Kicks.

According to reports, Carara Kicks is being bought out by a new club, with the result that their other Namibian defender Michael Pienaar could soon also be without a club.

Of all of Namibia’s foreign-based professionals, only four players are currently on contract for the new season. They are midfielder Collin Benjamin of Hamburg SV in the German Bundesliga, Wilko Risser, who joined German fourth division club SV Elversberg, Henrico Botes, who recently signed a new three-year contract with South African Premiership side Platinum Stars, and Rudolf Bester, who is still on contract with another SA Premiership side, Maritzburg United.

To compound matters, the local Namibian Premiership is only scheduled to start in September, with the result that Namibia’s home based players have not been in action for close to two months.

“I am very worried as the national coach of the Brave Warriors. My aim is to qualify for the 2012 AFCON finals, but most of our players are clubless and not fit. We have built up a squad of 30 players and had two years to prepare. But now, when the moment of truth has arrived, most of them are inactive,” he said.

Saintfiet, meanwhile said he was still looking for an opponent to play on the FIFA international friendly date of August 11. He had requested the NFA to try to arrange a west African opponent to help prepare for Namibia’s opening AFCON qualifier against Gambia on September 4, but the NFA in stead tried to arrange a friendly against Zambia. The Zambian Football Association this week requested a friendly match between the Brave Warriors and Zambia’s national Under 23 team, but Saintfiet turned that down.

“I wanted to play a west African nation so that I could get good preparation for Gambia, but Zambia would also have been a good opponent because they are a strong side. But I refused to play their Under 23 team - that is an insult to us and how can we prepare for the top African competition against an Under 23 team,” he said.

“I have now requested the NFA to try and arrange a friendly against South Africa, Zimbabwe or Mozambique, who do not yet have opponents for August 11,” he said.

Club House Rumours - Written by Administrator Informanté - Thursday, 22 July 2010

Informanté’s new column, Club House Rumours will bring you news behind the scenes in sports every week from today. This week, with the beautiful game in recess, CHR looks into the silent scramble for new players.

African Stars refuse to shine

Word from Herero Mall is that most players refused to sign new contracts claiming that the team is negotiating in bad faith. Players claim that they were paid bonuses which do not justify netting both the Premier League and NFA Cup.

With all these problems and departure of top players, coach Bobby Samaria must be working on a strategy if he wants to retain the silverware won last season. It’s almost a certainty that Ninja Karongee is packing before heading for the coast while midfield dynamo, Rudi Louw, will likely be donning the Black Africa jersey next season.

More players from Sta-lile might follow them on their way out.

No rambling at Ramblers

All is doom and gloom at the blue and white outfit from Tunschell Street. Rammies have spent the better part of last season in the relegation zone, and some players are not happy with the fact that “Messiah Ali Akan” was shown the door after ensuring that the Pionierspark based club retained its premiership status.

The appointment of inexperienced Christy Guruseb poses more questions than answers. Is the team ready to compete or are they merely participating? According to insiders some players have vowed not to return to training come next season.

Blank Black Africa cheque does the trick

Business mogul, Ranga Haikali’s big cheque book has certainly brought some changes to Gemengde kasi. Insiders say Haikali has given Coach Ricardo Mannetti and Manager Andries Skrywer, a blank cheque to sign up new players in an effort to lay hands on the lucrative MTC Premier League and the Leo NFA Cup trophies.

BA has not had silverware since 2004/2005 when they won five in a row. There are also unconfirmed rumours that long term assistant Coach Dirkie Beukes has been shown the door to make way for a former player who is also tipped to be the development coach. This coach has been coming and going at regular intervals.

Orlando Pirates sinking

The once floating ship of the Buccaneer’s is on the verge of sinking. Since showing the number one supporter, Makalan the door early last season Hendrik Dawids couldn’t take the heat and also left the kitchen in December. Its strong brand and big support base carried Pirates through last season but this was not be this season. Five top players have tendered their resignation and some are busy typing theirs. The most surprising move is that of Klaas Blom, believed by many supporters and soccer pundits as one player who would die for Pirates. Blom even played for the team without a salary. News in Dolam and Damara kasi is that Blom is finally moving to arch rivals Black Africa. Now you can imagine Zox or Mr Bones from GMP joining Mshasho.

Incivilities at Civics

Who will forget those days when Civics signed players left, right and centre and even personalised their jerseys. Those days when you would see no less than 30 people on the bench all clad in maroon and white. When former medic Siroba was equipped with a two-way radio to communicate with the technical staff.

But by the look of things, fortunes have changed in Khomasdal because teams from Katutura are taking their players back. Asprilla Werrmann, Lovers Kamuhanga and Pineas Jacob are rumoured to have parted ways with the club. Talk from Wells Bar, is that Cheff has instructed some senior players to scout for young players to cut down the huge salary bill. Relatively young but experienced mentor Woody Jacobs is likely to meet Cheff next week to decide on his future at the club.

Brave Warriors squad for international friendly - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine, 22- 07 - 2010.

The Namibia Football Association on Thursday announced a 19-man Brave Warriors training squad in preparation for an international match on the FIFA International Friendly date of August 11. NFA spokesman Dan Kamati told Namibia Sport that the NFA had not finalised an opponent yet, but that they were in negotiations and that an opponent should be announced within the next few days.

“We are still in discussions and cannot reveal anything yet, but we are looking for a worthwhile opponent, which will be revealed soon,” he said.

Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet had earlier revealed that Zambia had offered to send their Under 23 team to play the Brave Warriors, but he had turned down the offer.

He told Namibia Sport on July 15 that he had requested the NFA to try and arrange a friendly against South Africa, Zimbabwe or Mozambique, who do not yet have opponents for August 11.

According to recent reports, the NFA was also in negotiations with Tanzania and Algeria, which was one of the six African nations at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup.

An opponent will have to be announced by July 28, which will be the deadline for the NFA to request the services of Namibia’s foreign based players from their professional clubs.

The squad announced on Thursday includes most of Namibia’s regular home based players as well as a few foreign based professionals who are looking for new clubs after their contracts were not renewed.

The latter group includes defender Hartman Toromba, who previously played for Vasco de Gama, winger Paulus Shipanga formerly with Bay United, and defender Michael Pienaar who is still with Carrara Kicks, although they could reportedly be bought out by another club.

Defenders Richard Gariseb and Steven Goagab, who joined Orlando Pirates from Wits and Carara Kicks respectively last season, are also in the squad, as is midfielder Quinton Jacobs, who is still on African Stars’ books after being loaned out to a Palestinian club last season.

The squad includes one newcomer in Civics’ striker Alfred Ndyenge, while last season’s top goalscorer in the MTC Premiership, Jerome Louis of Black Africa and Tigers striker Tangeni Shipahu are notable absentees.

The Brave Warriors training squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Athiel Mbaha (Orlando Pirates), Max Mbaeva (African Stars).

Defenders:

Hartman Toromba (unattached), Steven Goagab, Ivan Namaseb, Richard Gariseb (all Orlando Pirates), Michael Pienaar (Carara Kicks), Ralph Ellinger (SKW), Jamu Ngatjizeko (African Stars), Nelson Geingob (Civics), Gotlieb Nakuta (Blue Waters).

Midfielders:

Quinton Jacobs (African Stars), Ninja Karongee (African Stars), Paulus Shipanga (unattached), Heini Isaacks (Civics), Eslin Kamuhanga (Civics), Rudi Louw (African Stars).

Forwards:

Roger Katjiteo (Black Africa), Alfred Ndyenge (Civics).

Club House Rumours Written by Administrator Informante - online Thursday, 29 July 2010

Tangeni’s depature good for him, not so good for Tigers

Congratulations to Tangeni Shipahu for clinching a deal with PSL outfit Amazulu, but this is certainly not too good for Ingweiyama.When Tangeni didn’t not score at Tigers and one is wondering what goes through coach Brian Isaacks’ mind. Tangeni has been involved with almost every goal scored by Tigers last season while scoring over 80% himself. Reports are that the recent relegation of Hotspurs is a blessing in disguise as some Hotspurs players might move from Soweto to Wambo location.

Arrows shooting in the right direction.

Word from Kuisebmund is that the spirit in the Eleven Arrows camp is high ahead of their game against South African glamour club Kaizer Chiefs. Eleven Arrows has been training for at least three weeks in order to prepare for this CRUCIAL friendly. This is definitely a good opportunity for Eleven Arrows players to prove their worth against a much fancied Chiefs outfit if they want to secure contracts on the other side of the Orange River. Good luck Arrows, Namibia will rally behind you and to JJD thumbs up for taking the bold step in bringing Amakhosi to Namibia.

Swakopmund is all blue because of the boys

The recent promotion of coastal outfit, Blue Boys, has brought some life to the Swakopmund community. According to our sources in Mondesa prominent business personalities in the coastal town have already indicated their willingness to assist the team financially in the forthcoming football season. In their quest to compete against the best in Namibia, the team has enquired the availability of coach Ali Akan. At the time of going to press, we could not establish whether the team has agreed terms with Akan or not. Watch this space for more!

Brave Warriors match against Israel cancelled - Submitted by newsdesk of Namibia Sport Magazine on Fri, 30/07/2010

The Brave Warriors match against Israel that had been scheduled for August 11 has been called off due to a problem with the processing of visas in Israel according to Namibia Football Association (NFA) Secretary General Barry Rukoro.

It had earlier been reported in a weekly newspaper that the Brave Warriors would play Israel as part of their preparations for the AFCON qualifier match against Gambia on September 4.

“It was too late for us to arrange visas for the team because there it would normally take 35 days to arrange for visas and we got the offer to play them this week,” Rukoro said.

In an email to the NFA, the agent who was organising the match, Jonathan Compan told Rukoro that they would not have enough time to make arrangements for the security at the stadium and the ticket sales without a guarantee that the Namibian team would get their visas in time.

“Israel were eager to have the match as they need to prepare for the Euro qualifiers, but neither them nor us want to organise an event if the best conditions are not gathered, and we cannot make you wait until next week to know if the visa obtention [sic] is good or not, we cannot risk to have an empty stadium or a risk with security,” Compan said in his email.

“Therefore I ask you to cancel your trip to Israel as this is event is officially cancelled due to visa obtention [sic] delays,” Campan continued.

On the FIFA website, it states that Israel will play Gambia instead on August 11, but Compan says this is not true.

“The Israeli FA (Football Association) has ever been meant to play Gambia, according to the Secretary General of Israel, these are the remains of a proposition that was never accepted,” Compan said.

The coach of the Brave Warriors, Tom Saintfiet was very disappointed at the news.

“I’m very disappointed that we once again don’t have a friendly, we have only had one friendly this year against South Africa. It would have been very helpful but we can’t change that. We have to now focus on Gambia,” Saintfiet said.

As a result of this setback Namibia will not have a preparation match before they start with their AFCON 2012 qualifiers.

“It is too late to arrange another game for the Brave Warriors,” Rukoro said.

“We approached Tanzania and Algeria for a friendly but we did not get a response from them. Zambia wanted to send their Under 23 side because they probably didn’t want to pay for their professionals’ travel expenses,” he continued.

“It also looked like Mozambique would come, but they pulled out at the last minute. They wanted to charter a plane to fly to Namibia and wanted us to pay for it when we had an earlier agreement that stated that we would share the travel expenses,” he added.

Mozambique will now play against Swaziland on the same date and Algeria will play at home against Gabon. Tanzania on the other hand will not play a friendly before they play their first qualifier against Algeria in Algiers on September 3.

When asked about the effect not playing competitively before the qualifiers would have on the Brave Warriors’ already unfit team, Rukoro said, “the fitness is the responsibility of the clubs, the whole world is in preseason training.”

“How do you get guys fit in four days, it's not the responsibility of the NFA,” Rukoro concluded.