SKW latest from the Namibian Press

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.

Imawida snap up Auseb - by Carlos Kambaekwa New Era

WINDHOEK – MTC Premiership title-chasing Cymot Sports Klub Windhoek (SKW) have been quite busy in the transfer market during the January transfer market.

The Germans have re-signed former defender Eric Auseb from FNB Orlando Pirates and also acquired the services of out of favour Ramblers midfielder, Bernadine Mbilizi, after the Congolese midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements at the MTC Premiership log leaders. Former FNB Oshakati City striker Ruben Ndhaipela has also joined, while the club has brought on board two promising youngsters from the lower division in the shape of Joslin Kamatuka (Young Ones) and Diego Descande (Kingston FC), to complete the new signings.

Other clubs have been very slow in the transfer market since the opening of the transfer window on January 10, 2011. Wesbank Tigers are hoping to capture the signature of former goal poacher Letu Shatimuenye. The free-scoring striker has been hopping between the Angolan Premiership and that country’s second tier league with various clubs following his moves. NPL Front Desk and Registration Officer, Lorraine Gowases, told Nampa upon enquiry on Tuesday that Civics Football Club (FC) has not forwarded any communication to the NPL regarding the much-trumpeted signing of South African striker Lucky Maselesele and two Zimbabweans. “I do not know of any signing, and only read it in the local media that so and so have signed with certain clubs,” said Gowases.

On his part, NPL Chief Executive Officer, Mathew Haikali, said he is also not aware of any transfers or new signings, but will officially comment on the matter this coming Friday (today). The transfer window closes on January 31, 2011. • Additional reporting: Nampa

No foreign deal for SKW strikerAuthor:Festus Nakatana

CYMOT SKW and Brave Warriors striker Alfred Ndyenge has returned home from Europe - where he had gone for trials - without clinching a professional contract.

Ndyenge travelled to Antalya, a province in Turkey, early this month for an intensive training camp which was arranged by local FIFA-accredited agent Mervin Kozonguizi through his connections in that country. But the Namibian international failed to secure a professional contract although he said he impressed the scouts.

“I met up with the agent Marko Saranlinna when I arrived in Antalya and I was introduced to a bunch of other guys who were on the mission to get a trial and impress scouts in order to get a club.

There were players from all over the world but the group was dominated by players from Nigeria, Senegal, Russia, Turkey and Gambia. All these players were managed by the Goal Management Group (GMG),” said Ndyenge. He said they trained for two weeks as a group while their agents spoke to clubs in order to arrange trials. “But nothing materialised as all the teams were fully booked while the teams which they have been targeting from Kazakhstan are only due to arrive at the beginning of February for their training camp.”

Ndyenge said they got the opportunity to impress the European and Asian scouts in order to stand a good chance of being invited for trials. “We played two games against a German team that we beat 8-3. I did not score but created and assisted three goals as I was playing from the left wing. I had no choice but to play on the wing because I wanted to show my versatility. Our coach also opted for much taller and bigger players as centre forwards so in the end I had no choice but to operate from the flanks even though I was uncomfortable,” said the former Civics striker.

Ndyenge said that in their second game they played against a very well organised team from Turkey’s second league and lost 3-0. “At the end no one got selected for further trials. It also seems that our managers were more focused on teams from Kazakhstan where they have better connections to offer us trials.” Finland deal Meanwhile, the striker who turned 28 yesterday revealed that a Finnish side has expressed interest in his services, but said he is not impressed with the overall offer. Said Ndyenge: “...the Finland team’s offer is the same as what I am currently earning at SKW even though their league is more recognised than ours.

I am still thinking about it as I have until the end of May to inform the agent whether I am going to take the Finland offer or opt to stay in Namibia.” Nevertheless, Ndyenge added that he enjoyed his stay in Turkey where he also met up with his Brave Warriors teammate Razundara Tjikuzu who is attached to a professional outfit in that country.

Wermann schießt den SKW ins Tal der Tränen

In einem Nachholspiel des zwölften Spieltages der Fußball-Premierliga hat Black Africa mit einem 2:1-Sieg gegen den Sportklub Windhoek seine Tabellenführung gefestigt. Bradley Wermann sicherte BA kurz vor Schluss mit seinem zweiten Treffer den Dreipunkteerfolg.

Gerry Keister. Mit dem zweiten Sieg im zweiten Rückrundenspiel hat der Meisterschaftsfavorit Black Africa seine Titelambitionen untermauert. Fünf Tage nach dem Last-Minute-Erfolg gegen die Wesbank Tigers gelang es BA am Mittwochabend gegen den Sportklub Windhoek (SKW) erneut, durch einen späten Siegtreffer einen direkten Konkurrenten zu distanzieren. Für den Sportklub bedeutete die 1:2-Niederlage nach dem 0:2 gegen die Eleven Arrows zum Abschluss der Hinrunde und dem 0:0 beim Rückrundenauftakt gegen die African Stars bereits das dritte sieglose Spiel in Serie. Auch im Hinspiel gegen BA hatte das Team von Trainer Lesley Kakuva mit 0:2 den Kürzeren gezogen.

Am Mittwoch waren noch keine drei Minuten im Sam-Nujoma-Stadion gespielt, als der SKW durch den ersten Saisontreffer von BA-Mittelfeldspieler Bradley Wermann mit 0:1 in Rückstand geriet. Zehn Minuten später gab es den nächsten Rückschlag für den Sportklub, als U20-Nationalspieler Larry Horaeb mit einer Oberschenkelprellung vom Platz musste und durch Simeon Tjiueza ersetzt wurde. Nach 33 Minuten wechselte das SKW-Trainergespann leistungsbedingt Gustav Isaaks aus und ermöglichte dem 18-jährigen Jolly Kamatuka sein Premierliga-Debüt. Der agile Mittelfeldspieler, der die SKW-Jugendabteilung durchlaufen hat und zuletzt an den Zweitligisten Young One`s ausgeliehen war, zeigte eine vielversprechende Leistung auf der rechten Außenbahn und belebte das Offensivspiel des SKW.

Da der Tabellenführer keineswegs auf Ergebnissicherung aus war, sondern angetrieben von seiner Kreativzentrale um Werman, Rudi Louw, Bryan Bantam und Willi Stephanus auf das 2:0 drängte, entwickelte sich ein offener Schlagabtausch mit Torchancen auf beiden Seiten. Doch die Defensivabteilung des Sportklubs präsentierte sich nun stabiler und setzte auch offensiv Akzente. Außenverteidiger Gerry Keister rückte in der 38. Spielminute in die gegnerische Hälfte vor und erzielte mit einem fulminanten Distanzschuss in den linken Torwinkel den nicht unverdienten Ausgleich.

Nach der Pause verstärkte der SKW seine Offensivbemühungen und kam insbesondere über die rechte Seite durch die beherzten Flankenläufe von Kamatuka zu zahlreichen Chancen, die jedoch die Offensivabteilung um das Stürmerduo Alfred Ndyenge und Panduleni Nekundi allesamt vergaben. Den offensiven Mittelfeldspielern Tjiueza und Milton Chapo gelang es dabei sogar, relativ unbedrängt im gegnerischen Strafraum zum Schuss kommend, das weitestgehend freie BA-Tor zu verfehlen. Mit bislang zwölf Toren in 13 Ligaspielen weist der SKW nicht umsonst eine der harmlosesten Angriffsreihen der Liga auf.

BA blieb derweil bei Konterangriffen gefährlich, doch die Chancen von Wermann und Torjäger Jerome Louis konnte SKW-Keeper Ephraim Tjihonge noch vereiteln. Als die Partie auf ein Remis hinauszulaufen schien, war es ein unnötiger Ballverlust des unerfahrenen Kamatuka, der dem SKW in der 89. Minute das Genick brach. Das BA-Mittelfeld schaltete blitzschnell in die Offensive um und setzte Wermann in Szene, der den Ball überlegt am heraus eilenden Tjihonge vorbei zum 2:1 im SKW-Tor unterbrachte. Kurz darauf ertönte der Schlusspfiff und während Wermanns zweiter Treffer des Tages bei seinem Team und den BA-Fans für Jubelstimmung sorgte, schlichen die SKW-Akteure mit hängenden Köpfen vom Rasen.

„Eine bittere Niederlage“, resümierte SKW-Coach Rolf Beiter einen Tag nach der Partie. „Es war ein geiles Spiel und in der zweiten Halbzeit haben wir richtig Druck gemacht, aber wir haben wieder einmal unsere Chancen nicht genutzt und sind dafür bestraft worden.“

Wenn die Premierliga nach dem anstehenden Pokalwochenende am kommenden Donnerstag, den 10. Februar, mit dem Auftakt des 14. Spieltages fortgesetzt wird, steht für den SKW um 20 Uhr im Sam-Nujoma-Stadion das Duell mit dem Erzrivalen Ramblers FC auf dem Programm. BA muss am nächsten Tag bei den abstiegsbedrohten Mighty Gunners in Otjiwarongo antreten.

Von Robby Echelmeyer http://www.az.com.na/sport/wermann-schiet-den-skw-ins-tal-der-trnen.121321.php

BA, SKW in top of the log showdown - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 01/02/2011

Black Africa take on SKW in a top of the log encounter at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Wednesday night. The match was originally scheduled to take place on January 19, but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Black Africa went to the top for the first time this season when they beat Tigers 1-0 last Friday, after an injury time goal by wingback Warren Neidel. The victory put them on 21 points - one ahead of Ramblers and SKW, who drew 0-0 with African Stars last Wednesday.

Black Africa are nearly at full strength for the match, with the only concern being midfielder Rudi Louw. He was substituted early against Tigers due to a hip injury and will have to pass a medical on Wednesday to be declared fit for the game. SKW, on the other hand, have been beset by injury problems and have already lost the services of Pitzi Eichhoff and Garren Smith for the year after they both suffered knee injuries.

Midfielders Elias Lisaku and Chepela Chepela are both out with short term injuries, but striker Alfred Ndyenge and defender Ivan Bloom return from suspension after both picked up red cards.

SKW co-coach Rolf Beiter said they were looking forward to the match and were confident of victory. “We have suffered a lot of injuries, but we have a strong squad and I am confident that we can win. I rate Black Africa as one of the top contenders for the title, so if we beat them we should be able to beat the rest. If we win on Wednesday we will go top of the log and we intend to stay there,” he said.

Black Africa technical director Brian Isaacs said that SKW were a tough team, but BA had the capacity to win the match. “Our match against Tigers was very difficult and the players still need to adapt to my new tactics. But they defended well and managed to create chances and if we can do that against SKW we will be able to win the match. But then again, SKW is a very good team and they will be tough opponents,” he said. Isaacs said that Black Africa was aiming to win the title and needed to consolidate their position at the top of the log. “Our goal now is to win as many games as possible so that we can collect maximum points and consolidate our position at the top of the log,” he said

Ramblers bleiben im Titelrennen – SKW wird durchgereicht AZ-online

Der Ramblers FC hat am 14. Spieltag der Fußball-Premierliga in einem niveaulosen Derby gegen den Erzrivalen Sportklub Windhoek mit 1:0 gewonnen. Da Tabellenführer Black Africa gegen die Mighty Gunners strauchelte, bleibt das Titelrennen weiter spannend.

Der Ramblers FC hat nach zuletzt drei sieglosen Spielen in der Liga wieder in die Erfolgsspur gefunden. Gegen den Sportklub Windhoek (SKW) reichte dem Team von Trainer Christie Guruseb eine ordentliche erste Halbzeit, um sich mit dem siebten Saisonsieg im Titelrennen zurückzumelden. Flügelstürmer Eslin Kamuhanga (29. Spielminute) erzielte das Tor des Tages in der 29. Spielminute, als sein Schuss aus spitzem Winkel abgefälscht wurde und SKW-Keeper Ephraim Tjihonge den Ball am kurzen Pfosten passieren ließ.

Der Sportklub wirkte bis zum Halbzeitpfiff wie gelähmt und konnte sich keine nennenswerte Torchance herausspielen. Auch nach dem Seitenwechsel, als Trainer Lesley Kakuva mit Panduleni Nekundi und Jolly Kamatuka frische Offensivkräfte brachte, gelang es dem SKW nicht, gegen nun sehr defensiv agierende Ramblers einen Treffer zu erzielen. Ein einziges Tor hat der auf den sechsten Tabellenplatz abgestürzte Sportklub in den vergangenen vier Ligaspielen zu Stande gebracht – zwölf Saisontore in 14 Partien sprechen eine deutliche Sprache.

„Das wird Konsequenzen haben“, empörte sich SKW-Coach Rolf Beiter unmittelbar nach dem Schlusspfiff über die „Arbeitsverweigerung“ seiner Spieler gegen die Ramblers. Heute wird sich das Club-Management zusammensetzen und die sofortige Entlassung von einigen Spielern beschließen“, gab der Verein am nächsten Morgen auf seiner Internetseite bekannt.

Zu den drei Vereinen, die im Tableau am SKW vorbeigezogen sind, gehört der Civics FC. Heinrich Isaacks eröffnete den Torreigen beim 5:2-Heimsieg gegen die Blue Boys bereits in der vierten Minute mit einem fulminanten Volleyschuss in den Winkel. Civics-Neuzugang Mabasa Kafahakutizwi erhöhte Mitte der ersten Halbzeit mit seinem zweiten Saisontreffer auf 2:0. Noch vor der Pause sorgte Costa Khaiseb (35.) mit einem Kopfballtor für die Vorentscheidung. Nach den Treffern von Lawrence Kaapama (51.) und Brian Brendell (61.), drohte den Gästen aus Swakopmund ein Debakel, doch gelang ihnen durch einen Doppelpack von Lindon Aseb (69./81.) zumindest noch Ergebniskosmetik.

Die größte Überraschung des Spieltags ereignete sich in Otjiwarongo, wo Spitzenreiter Black Africa mit 1:2 gegen die Mighty Gunners verlor. Zwar war der Titelfavorit durch einen von Bradley Wermann verwandelten Foulelfmeter (8.) in Führung gegangen, doch David Anton (25.) und Harold Ochurub (86.) sorgten für die sensationelle Wende zu Gunsten des Aufsteigers. Auch die ambitionierten Eleven Arrows mussten mit einer Niederlage im Gepäck die Heimreise antreten. Max Nuumbembe (35.) bescherte Gastgeber Oshakati City durch seinen 1:0-Siegtreffer den dritten Saisonsieg.

SKW, Pirates in crucial encounter Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine, 17/02/2011

SKW and Orlando Pirates face each other in a crucial MTC Premiership Round 15 encounter at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday night and defeat for either team could severely dent their title aspirations.

SKW dropped from third to sixth position on the log after losing 1-0 to Ramblers last week, while Pirates are just behind in seventh position after holding Blue Waters to a goalless draw in Walvis Bay last week. Both teams are on 21 points - four behind log leaders Black Africa.

In their first round encounter, SKW beat Pirates 2-0 with goals by Milton Chapo and Gustav Isaack. After their loss to Ramblers, coach Lucky Kakuva promised some sweeping changes at the Olympia based club.

“This will have consequences. It seems the money our players are earning, is laming their legs,” Kakuva said after the match, while the SKW newsletter said that SKW’s management would discuss the release of some players with immediate effect.

However, coach Rolf Beiter said that they had instead spoken to the players. “We had a management meeting and then we spoke to the players and they promised that they would fight more for the team. So basically they are on a warning and they promised to take the three points against Pirates,” Beiter said. “I don’t really know what the problem is because at training these guys are great, it’s just that during the matches we do not score goals,” Beiter added. “I think it is more of a mental thing and we have to get it sorted out,” he continued.

In other matches that will be played on Saturday, Eleven Arrows will host Civics at the Kuisebmund Stadium at 15h00. In their first round encounter, Civics beat Arrows 2-1 in Windhoek and will be hoping for a repeat. Civics are currently third on the log, while Arrows are eighth. In Swakopmund, bottom placed Blue Boys will host Blue Waters who are currently ninth on the log. When the two teams met in the first leg, Blue Waters collected maximum points with a 2-1 victory. The match will be played at Tamariskia Stadium at 15h00. Log leaders Black Africa will face off against Oshakati City who are 11th on the log, at the Independence Stadium at 15h00. Oshakati City got the better of Black Africa in the first round when they beat them 1-0. Defending champions African Stars who have climbed to fifth on the log will play 10th placed Mighty Gunners at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 19h00. Stars beat Gunners 1-0 in their first round encounter.

Dino Ballotti beim SKW zurückgetreten AZ online

Team-Manager gibt sofortigen Abschied per Kurznachricht bekannt – Martin Brosda übernimmt U17

Windhoek – Der Team-Manager des Premierligavereins Sportklub Windhoek (SKW), Dino Ballotti, hat am Freitag der vergangenen Woche mit sofortiger Wirkung sein Amt zur Verfügung gestellt. Einen Tag nach der 0:1-Derbypleite gegen den Ramblers FC teilte Ballotti seine Entscheidung dem Vorsitzenden der SKW-Fußballsparte, Jochen Traut, in einer Kurznachricht per Mobiltelefon mit. „Ich habe am Freitagmittag eine SMS von Dino erhalten, in der er mir seinen sofortigen Rücktritt bekannt gegeben hat“, bestätigte Traut gegenüber der AZ.

Als Grund nannte Ballotti Differenzen zwischen ihm und dem SKW-Vorsitzenden. „Mein Verhältnis zu Jochen Traut hat sich in den vergangenen Monaten zunehmend verschlechtert und ich wollte und konnte in dieser spannungsgeladenen Atmosphäre nicht mehr weiterarbeiten“, erklärte Ballotti auf Nachfrage der AZ. Ein persönliches Gespräch mit Traut lehnte der 24-Jährige ab: „Es war zu viel vorgefallen, es gab kein zurück.“

Traut gab unterdessen zu Protokoll, dass Ballotti in seiner Funktion als Team-Manager der Premierliga-Mannschaft das Budget des Vereins überstrapaziert habe. „Wir haben den teuersten NPL-Kader aller Zeiten und dann liefern wir gegen die Ramblers die schlechteste Leistung ab, seit wir in dieser Liga spielen“, empörte sich Traut. „Da passen Anspruch und Wirklichkeit nicht zusammen.“

Ballotti, der in der Vergangenheit als Coach des Zweitligisten Young Ones sowie als Jugendtrainer beim Ramblers FC aktiv gewesen war, hatte seinen Posten beim SKW erst zu Beginn der laufenden Saison übernommen. Neben seiner Funktion als Manager des Premierliga-Teams war der Nachwuchscoach auch für die U17-Mannschaft des Vereins zuständig. Diese Aufgabe übernimmt nun SKW-Jugendkoordinator Martin Brosda, der bereits die SKW-Mädchenmannschaft sowie das CSL-Team betreut.

Als Trainer der U17-Mannschaft Invincible hat Ballotti derweil bereits eine neue Teilzeitaufgabe gefunden. „Ich will aber so schnell wie möglich wieder in die Premierliga“, sagt der Enkel italienischer Großeltern und verrät, dass er mit drei Vereinen in Kontakt steht. Vor seiner Zeit beim SKW hatte er als Coach des Erstligisten Young Ones sowie als Jugendtrainer beim Ramblers FC Erfahrungen als Fußballlehrer gesammelt. Unabhängig von einem neuen Engagement geht Ballotti im April für einen Monat nach Deutschland, wo er gemeinsam mit der Frauen-Nationaltrainerin Jacqueline Shipanga an der renommierten Fußballschule in Honnef einen Kursus zum Erwerb der B-Trainerlizenz absolvieren wird.

Frewer touted as NPL CEO - Submitted Namibia Sport Magazine on Tue, 22/02/2011

Before the disciplinary hearing against Namibia Premier League (NPL) CEO Mathew Hailkali is concluded there is already talk about a possible replacement for him.

Ramblers’ Siggy Frewer, who has been touted as the possible replacement of the embattled CEO by several NPL clubs, told Namibia Sport that he would be interested in taking over the post. “I have been approached by several people to take over the job of the CEO after the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing of Mr. Haikali,” he said. “They must first make me an offer and I will see if it is viable, before I take up the job,” Frewer said. The 70-year-old former football administrator said if he was the CEO of the NPL he would set up proper structures at the head office in Adler Street, Windhoek West. “There is obviously a lot of work still to be done at the NPL and I know I am very capable of doing that. The administration is lacking in most of the football institutions starting at club level,” he said.

Ali Akan, who is leading the campaign for Frewer said that it was about time that the NPL is led by someone who is dedicated to the game that is the most popular sport in Namibia. “We need to have experienced people at the helm of the NPL so that the local business community would be interested in investing in football,” Akan said. “It has been a whole year since Haikali was employed as the CEO of the NPL and still we do not see any change - he has failed in his capacity to lead,” Akan added. “He has failed and so far his legacy will be the failed SMS car competition which cost the NPL a lot of money, an entrance fee agreement that the NPL made with another company that was a waste of money and the unilateral increase of his salary by 70 per cent,” Akan said.

Haikali was suspended as CEO on February 4 and is currently the subject of a disciplinary hearing that will resume on March 4. NPL chairman Johnny Doeseb said the disciplinary hearing was the a result of a pay rise he is alleged to have given himself and the staff at the NPL head office without the consent of the Board of Governors (BOG). Haikali is rumoured to have increased his salary from N$30 000 to N$50 000 and that of the rest of the staff at the NPL office without the knowledge of the Board of Governors (BOG). He is currently on special leave after his disciplinary hearing started on February 4. It is set to continue on March 3 and 4. “Frewer is a well respected businessman in the country who is retired and wants to support football in Namibia. We know we won’t be worried about him enriching himself because he has his own money,” Akan said. “We need to change the NPL image and I am sure we can do that through Siggy who is a respected person in Namibia and who is prepared to work for the game,” he added. “We already have seven clubs who support us in this and we are still talking to the other clubs and I know at the end of the day all 12 clubs will be in our corner. I don’t think that there will be anyone against the idea,” he continued.

Frewer’s long spanning career saw him being the secretary for the Coastal District Football Association and an executive member of the South West Africa Football Association. He played a major role in the integration of Namibian football when a multiracial league was introduced for the first time in 1977. He is currently the patron of the Ramblers Football Club.

On enquiry, the chairman of the NPL Johnny Doeseb said he had never heard of Siggy Frewer before and could not comment on the issue. “I have no idea who Siggi Frewer is. It would be unprofessional and unethical of me to make any comments at this stage,” he said.

SKW gelingt Befreiungsschlag

Black Africa hat am 15. Spieltag der Fußball-Premierliga seine Spitzenposition durch einen 5:2-Pflichtsieg gegen Oshakati City ausgebaut. Dem Sportklub Windhoek gelang unterdessen mit dem 2:1-Erfolg gegen die Orlando Pirates der erhoffte Befreiungsschlag.

Der Meisterfavorit Black Africa hat mit einem souveränen 5:2-Sieg gegen das abstiegsbedrohte Oshakati City seine Titelambitionen untermauert. Bereits nach zehn Minuten ging der Liga-Primus in Führung, als ein Volleyschuss von Marco van Wyk von der Unterkante der Latte abprallte und Oshakati-Schlussmann Melksidek Shiku den Ball mit seinem Rücken in das eigene Tor beförderte. Simon Ouseb erzielte nach einem Sololauf den sehenswerten Ausgleich für die Gäste aus dem Norden. Doch kurz vor dem Pausenpfiff geriet Oshakati erneut in Rückstand, als Warren Neidel nach einem Freistoß von Rudi Louw am zweiten Pfosten stehend aus kurzer Distanz zum 2:1 einschießen konnte. Nach dem Seitenwechsel erhöhte BA das Tempo und sorgte durch van Wyk, Willie Stephanus und Eliphas Heita für klare Verhältnisse. Nach wiederholtem Foulspiel sah Neidel in der 78. Spielminute die Gelb-Rote Karte, ehe Oshakati durch einen von Rodney Damaseb verwandelten Foulelfmeter noch auf 2:5 verkürzen konnte.

Vier Punkte hinter BA auf Platz drei liegt nun wieder der Sportklub Windhoek (SKW), der gegen die Orlando Pirates den ersten Pflichtspielsieg des Jahres einfahren konnte. Dabei drohte der Sportklub nach den Negativschlagzeilen der vergangenen Wochen auch gegen die Pirates früh auf die Verliererstraße zu geraten. Nach einem Eigentor von Jeremiah Baisako (5.) ließen die SKW-Akteure zunächst die Köpfe hängen. Doch die Mannschaft bewies Moral und kämpfte sich in die Partie zurück. In der 11. Minute war es ein Eigentor von Pirates-Innenverteidiger Michael Pienaar, das nach einem Eckball den Ausgleich brachte.

In der 17. Minute deckte das Team von Trainer Lesley Kakuva ein weiteres Mal die Schwäche der Pirates-Hintermannschaft bei Standardsituation auf. Nach einem weiten Einwurf von Martin Kambungu war SKW-Angreifer Alfred Ndyenge am kurzen Pfosten zur Stelle und köpfte sein Team in Führung. Im weiteren Verlauf der ersten Halbzeit wusste der SKW auch spielerisch zu überzeugen und Kapitän Ralph Ellinger hätte die Führung fünf Minuten vor der Pause mit einem Kopfball fast ausgebaut, doch hatte der Unparteiische den Ball nicht in vollem Umfang hinter der Torlinie gesehen. Auf der anderen Seite verpasste Pirates-Angreifer Theofellus Tsowaseb nach einem Querpass von Engelhard Kahua den Ausgleich nur um Haaresbreite.

In der zweiten Halbzeit verlor der Sportklub seine spielerische Linie, während die Pirates auf den Ausgleich drängten. Doch konnte das Team von Trainer Gilbert Rwasoka seine Dominanz nicht in den Ausgleichtreffer ummünzen, sodass der SKW wie schon beim 2:0-Hinspielerfolg die Oberhand behielt und sich im Meisterschaftsrennen zurückgemeldet hat. „Wir gehören unter die ersten Drei“, stellte ein sichtlich erleichterter SKW-Coach Rolf Beiter nach dem Schlusspfiff fest.

Von AZ

Black Africa go 7 points clear - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Sun, 13/03/2011

Black Africa moved seven points clear at the top of the log after a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Civics on Friday night. Marco van Wyk opened the scoring after barely two minutes and then added a second with Bradley Wermann scoring the third to complete a dazzling display. They now lead the log with 34 points from 17 matches - seven points ahead of Ramblers, who have two matches in hand.

Ramblers’ match against Oshakati City had to be cancelled after a rain deluge hit the SKW field midway through the second half. At that stage the teams were level at 2-all with Nelson Geingob scoring a brace for Oshakati City and Nico Narib a brace for Ramblers. The match however had to be stopped after 68 minutes when the downpour came, thereby preventing a result by a mere seven minutes. According to FIFA stipulations, had the match been abandoned after 75 minutes the 2-all draw would have stood. If the match had started at 15h00 as it was scheduled to, and not 10 minutes later, a replay would not have been neccessary, but now Oshakati will once again have to travel down to Windhoek in an already congested season. The NPL later ordered a replay on Sunday, but it once again had to be cancelled due to incessant rain. The match between Orlando Pirates and Mighty Gunners also had to be cancelled due to the rain.

On Saturday evening African Stars beat Eleven Arrows 1-0 in a closely contested match to move up to third position on the log on 25 points. Edison Muheua scored the winning goal after only seven minutes with a delightful lob over Virgil Vries into an empty net, but Arrows were unlucky not to be awarded a goal in the dying minutes, when a Patrick Banda header seemed to have crossed the line but was ruled out by the referee.

In Walvis Bay, Blue Waters beat SKW 3-1 through goals by Hendrik Somaeb, Bolle Haraseb and Paulus Shipanga, with Ruben Ndahepele replying for SKW. The victory eases Blue Waters’ relegation fears somewhat as they move five points clear of the relegation zone. Blue Boys however remain in the relegation zone after they lost 1-0 to Tigers in Swakopmund on Saturday. Pineas Jacob scored the only goal of the match which sees Tigers moving up to fourth position on 24 points, while Blue Boys are 10th on 17 points.

Namibia, Botswana draw - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 16/03/2011

A young Namibian team gave a promising performance to hold Botswana to a 1-1 draw in an international soccer friendly in Maun on Wednesday evening.

The Brave Warriors were rather fortunate to take the lead on 33m when winger Eslin Kamuhanga shunned the fair play rule and lobbed the ball over the keeper into the net. When a Botswana player went down injured, they kicked the ball out, expecting Namibia to return the ball from the throw in, but Kamuhanga caught them by surprise to lob the ball into the net.

Botswana stepped up the tempo after the break and equalised through a great shot by Lemponye Tshireletso on 65 minutes, when he received the ball in space and blasted a 30m shot past a diving Athiel Mbaha into the right hand corner of the net.

Namibia started off promisingly with Pineas Jacob receiving two clearcut chances in the opening 10m, but his finishing was poor. Their defence which saw Da Costa Angula making his debut, was solid and Botswana had few meaningful chances in the first half.

The home side however attacked with purpose after the break and after coming close on several occasions they finally equalised through Tshireletso’s stunning long range shot.

In the final quarter, Sidney Urikhob who came on for Pineas Jacob troubled Botswana’s defence with his pace, while he had a long range effort well saved, while Botswana had a few chances but their finishing was poor.

Namibian coach Brian Isaacs said he was happy with the performance, and especially that of the defence.

“Look at the chances we created, we could have been leading 3-0 at halftime, and defensively we were very strong, so I’m happy with our performance.”

Isaacs, who fielded a young team of home-based players said they had to start creating for the future.

“We need to bring in young blood to get more variety and to supplement the senior side.”

The Brave Warriors will now focus on their crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso on March 26 and Isaacks said he was hopeful of a good result.

“In football anything is possible. Our defensive play was very good tonight and I think we stand a chance against Burkina Faso,” he said.

The Brave Warriors team:

Athiel Mbaha, Hartman Toromba, Richard Gariseb (captain), Da Costa Angula, Jamu Ngatjizeko, Ronald Ketjijere, Denzil Haoseb, Pineas Jacob (Sidney Urikhob 65m), Alfred Ndyenge (Chris Katjiukua 76m), Bradley Wermann (Ninja Karongee 71m), Eslin Kamuhanga (Emilio Martin 86m).

Brave Warriors squad to take on Burkina Faso Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine, 22/03/2011

There were few surprises when Brave Warriors interim coach Brian Isaacs announced a 19-man squad for Saturday’s crucial AFCON 2012 qualifier against Burkina Faso yesterday.

Isaacs showed faith in some of the local-based players that drew 1-1 against Botswana last Wednesday and drafted some upcoming youngsters into the final squad. For the biggest part though, the squad consists of experienced campaigners, including eight foreign-based professionals.

In defence, Isaacs has retained Black Africa’s Da Costa Angula, who made his debut against Botswana as well as Willem Mwedihanga of Tigers. Black Africa’s youthful defender Denzil Haoseb, who made his debut in the 2-1 defeat to Malawi in February is also retained in the squad.

“We need to introduce some younger defenders into the squad because most of our senior defenders are starting to go away from the scene now,” he said.

“Da Costa gave an excellent performance against Botswana while his physique can also help us against Burkina Faso. Willem is currently one of the best defenders in the Premier League while Denzil has the potential to become a very good player,” he said.

SKW goalkeeper Ephraim Tjihonge returns to the national fold after a few years in place of Eleven Arrows goalkeeper Virgil Vries, after some good performances in the Premier League. Isaacs said that his experience will come to good stead.

“Ephraim has a lot of experience and has played professionally before. He has done well in the Premier League this season, so his call up was based on his performance,” he said.

Since taking over as interim coach, Isaacs has used a 4-4-2 system with two defensive midfielders and he said he would stick to that. Oliver Risser and Ronald Ketjijere of African Stars were used in this position against Malawi, while Ketjijere and Denzil Haoseb played there against Botswana. Isaacs however said he had several options in that position.

“We have several options here with players like Collin Benjamin and Oliver Risser back with us as well as Razundara Tjikuzu,” he said.

In attack, Isaacs has called up foreign-based players Wilko Risser, Tangeni Shipahu and Henrico Botes, while Ramblers’ youthful striker Sydney Urikhob has also been retained. Tigers striker Pinias Jacob has however been dropped from the squad after failing to impress against Botswana.

Isaacs said it would be a crucial match and he would go all out for a positive result.

“We will have three training sessions in Burkina Faso so we should be ready. We have a very competitive team and we need a good result so we will go and get it,” he said.

Meanwhile team manager Tim Isaacs said that the squad will leave Windhoek on Wednesday, for Johannesburg, where they will get a connecting flight to Addis Ababa. They will overnight in Ethiopia on Wednesday evening before leaving on a two-hour flight for Burkina Faso on Thursday morning.

The Namibian squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Athiel Mbaha, Ephraim Tjihonge.

Defenders:

Richard Gariseb, Hartman Toromba, Da Costa Angula, Willem Mwedihanga, Jamu Ngatjizeko, Sydney Plaatjies.

Midfielders:

Collin Benjamin, Oliver Risser, Ronald Ketjijere, Denzil Haoseb, Ninja Karongee, Razundara Tjikuzu.

Strikers:

Sydney Urikhob, Wilko Risser, Henrico Botes, Tangeni Shipahu and Rudolf Bester.

Blue Boys apologise - Submitted by Namibiasport Magazine, 22/03/2011

Premier Construction Blue Boys Football Club officially apologized for the ‘regrettable incident’ when their players abandoned an NPL match against Orlando Pirates on Saturday by walking off the field, in a letter addressed to NPL acting CEO Tovey Hobeb by their chairman Herman Nepando.

“PC Blue Boys sincerely regrets actions conducted by our traveling management team representatives that overshadowed what was a great sporting rivalry and spectacle. Such actions are not representative of the values of PC Blue Boys or those of Swakopmund Mondesa community itself, and our executive are taking all corrective actions to avoid unprofessional behaviour in the future,” he stated.

Nepando said that Blue Boys would take full responsibility for their actions and that they would accept the 3-0 result in favour of Pirates.

“PC Blue Boys have taken full responsibility for our actions and this experience has made us think more about sportsmanship, spectator safety and specifically, how we can ensure that these ideals are upheld in the future at NPL events. For the love of football, we therefore ask that the result stands and register it as a 3-0 victory for Orlando Pirates,” he said.

“The PC Blue Boys management would further provide its support so that we can close this matter and move forward,” he added.

Gladiators lose 7-0 to Nigeria - Submitted by Namibiasport Magazine, 04/04/2011

Despite the 7-0 loss of the Brave Gladiators to Nigeria on Sunday the Namibian coach, Jacqui Shipanga said she was very proud of how the team performed against the African champions. Shipanga said that although she would have preferred the scoreline to be smaller, she needed to praise her team for withstanding the onslaught from the Super Falcons.

The match played at the Abuja National Stadium, saw the Nigerian side scoring six goals in the first half of the match with two goals each from Desire Oparanozie, Emueje Ogbiagbevha and Perpetua Nkwocha. Rita Chikwelu scored the 7th goal in the second half to put the game beyond the visitors. Nigeria had seven foreign-based players for the match. “After the tactical changes in the second half, one could see the difference in the way the match continued. We took a more defensive approach in the second half and managed to concede only one goal. I wish we had played like that for the whole match,” Shipanga said. “Kleintjie Fredericks, when she was moved to the defensive midfield, managed to neutralise the Nigerian supply very well,” she added. “Credit must also go to the Namibian goalkeeper (Susanna Eises) who was under attack from the start of the match. She also saved a penalty that was awarded in the third minute of the match,” she continued. Shipanga added that the Nigerian players had an incentive that they were playing for and that, she believed, added to the big goal margin. “I spoke to the Nigerian coach (Uche Eucharia) afterwards and she told me that the players knew that she was using the match to select the team that would go to the World Cup in Germany later this year.” “That was why all their professional players who had been selected were there and the motivation was high for them to perform and win,” she added. Jackey Gertze, from the Namibia Football Association’s (NFA) Women’s Desk, said she was also not disappointed with the result but was sad for the team because of all the hard work they put into their preparations. “I know that if they did not prepare well the margin would have been much worse,” Gertze said.

Gertze appealed to the NFA to make sure that the Khomas Women’s League took place this year, after it was grounded last year due to a lack of funding. “The Khomas League, which is the super league for women’s football must not stop for another year, we should have a league that is constant so that the coach does not put pressure on the players during the training camps,” Gertze said. “People should not judge the team on the one result, but should instead look at how the team has developed over time and also at the fact that we fielded a young and largely inexperienced team,” she added. The return match will be in Windhoek on April 16.

Brave Warriors to focus on youth - Submitted by Namibiasport Magazine, 04/04/2011

In the aftermath of the 4-0 loss to Burkina Faso, the Namibian Football Association (NFA) has decided to focus more on the younger players for their last two AFCON qualifiers against Burkina Faso and the Gambia.

Speaking at a press conference at Soccer House, NFA CEO Barry Rukoro conceded that the Brave Warriors had been comprehensively beaten and did not have a chance to qualify for the 2012 and 2013 AFCON tournaments. “We now know precisely where we stand with regards to the AFCON. It is impossible for us to qualify, and we need to understand that as a country,” Rukoro said. “If you look at the average age of the players that played against Burkina Faso, it was 29 and that for me is too old,” he said. “For the remaining two matches we have decided to give preference to the young players to give them experience. This is being done so that we can build experience in time for the next qualifiers.”

Brave Warriors caretaker coach, Brian Isaacs and his assistant, Ronny Kanalelo agreed with the new strategy saying that they were now looking at a complete overhaul of the players. “It is necessary for the overhaul of the playing personnel, we need more young up and coming players in the team and we will remove all the players who have reached the end of their playing career and who can not give us anymore,” Isaacs said. Kanalelo singled out veteran goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha (34) who he said was past his sell by date and would definitely not be in the future plans of the Brave Warriors. “It is clear that Athiel Mbaha’s time with the national team is up. He can not deal with the pressure anymore and this was evident when we played against Botswana, Malawi, Burkina Faso and in some of his local matches,” Kanalelo said. “In Burkina Faso he was not up to standard and let in goals that according to me he could have saved,” Kanalelo continued. “For the goalkeeper position we have many options like Max (Mbaeva), Virgil (Vries) and Ephraim (Tjihonge). We just need to see who we need for what game,” Isaacs added. Isaacs said that he would use the upcoming Namibian Newspaper Cup as scouting ground for the national team players who he would want to use for the next two qualifiers. “After we have scouted the players we will ask the technical director (Klaus Starke) to give the young players some training to give them more knowledge about football,” Isaacs said. “We have the players in the country, it is just that they are lacking in the tactical and technical aspects of the game, and that’s what we need to work on,” he added.

Namibia are at the bottom of their group that is being led by Burkina Faso who have six points, the Gambia are second with three points and Namibia are third with no points. The Brave Warriors will have their next match on 3 June in Windhoek against Burkina Faso and then on 2 September against the Gambia also at home.

Eusebio signs in Finland - 8 April, 2011 - http://namibiansun.com/story/eusebio-signs-finland

ShareAC Kajaani which competes in the second tier Finnish football league on Wednesday officially unveiled Namibian Eusebio Fredericks as their new signing.

The 22-year-old Fredericks was signed from local Premiership side Ramblers after spending about three weeks on trials in Finland. Local football agent Mervin Kozonguizi confirmed to Namibian Sun Sport this week that the highly talented striker has signed for one year with an option to renew for another three years at the end of the season. “It is a very good deal for him,” said Kozonguizi. “He is very happy with the terms of his contract and I think it’s a step in the right direction. He has a bright future ahead of him and things can only get better from there.”

The new move is also likely to increase the player’s chances of representing the Brave Warriors once again. Kozonguizi said the player will be exposed to many other things which can open new doors for him, especially in Europe. “He will be exposed to the European style of play and that could open doors for him to play for bigger teams in Europe if he impresses scouts,” he said.

Hotspurs leading Southern Stream - Submitted by newsdesk on Wed, 04/13/2011

Southerm Stream First Division Results - 19.04.2011

Friday, April 15

Tura Magic 2-2 Hotspurs

Saturday, April 16

Desert Rollers 1-3 Swakopmund

Fedics Utd 0-3 Monitronic

Unam 2-0 Young Ones

Winter Roses 2-3 Spoilers

Young Beauties 1-3 Friends

Sunday, April 17

Desert Rollers 0-4 Spoilers

Fedics Utd 1-1 Friends

Tura Magic 2-0 Young Ones

Winter Roses 2-3 Swakopmund

Young Beauties 1-3 Monitronic

*Please note that the match between Unam and Hotspurs postponed - on Sunday, April 17 - due to a waterlogged pitch has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 20 (tomorrow) at 19h00 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium

The race for the number one spot in the Southern Stream First Division is heating up with the first two teams on 28 points. Hotspurs have the advantage and are on top due to a superior goal difference with Monitronics College second. Tura Magic, Spoilers and Swakopmund FC are within striking distance with 27, 25 and 24 points respectively.

Hotspurs suffered a 3-2 shock defeat to seventh placed Young Beauties on Saturday but managed to come back on Sunday to beat Fedics United 3-0. Second placed Monitronics College managed to win both their matches, beating Desert Rollers 3-1 on Saturday and Winter Roses 4-1 on Sunday.

This weekend the league matches will continue with Hotspurs facing third placed Tura Magic at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek and Unam FC, who are currently eighth on the log, on Sunday at the Unam Stadium.

Monitronics College will travel to Keetmanshoop’s J Stephanus Stadium where they will play against Fedics United who are second from the bottom of the log on Saturday and then Young Beauties on Sunday at the same venue.

The Legare Stadium on Saturday will host a match between the bottom placed Winter Roses and Spoilers the other match will see sixth placed Desert Rollers play against Swakopmund FC. On Sunday, Winter Roses will play against Swakopmund FC while Desert Rollers will face off against Spoilers at the same venue.

At the J Stephanus Stadium in Keetmanshoop, Young Beauties will play against Friends who are placed ninth on the log on Saturday. On Sunday, Fedics will face Friends at the same venue. The Unam Stadium will also host another match on Saturday between Unam FC and Young Ones who are 10th on the log. On Sunday, Young Ones will play against Tura Magic at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Hotspurs 28 points

Monitronics College 28 points

Tura Magic 27points

Spoilers 25 points

Swakopmund FC 24 points

Namibia Newspaper Cup

Winners Final

Khomas 1 Karas 0

Mike Sinvula 48m

Losers Section Final

Ohangwena 3(4) Hardap 3(3)

Brave Warriors 6 Shadow Team 1 (Halftime: 2-1)

Brave Warriors: Jordan Haimbili (2), Stanley Kamesiepo, Ronald Ketjijere, Pinias Jacob and Johannes Seibeb.

Shadow Team: Paulinus Angula.

Winners section semifinals

Omusati 0 Khomas 4

Erongo 1 Karas 3

Losers Section semifinals

Ohangwena 2 Oshana 1

Hardap 2 Kunene 1

Brave Warriors beat Shadow Team 6-1 Submitted by Helge Schutz, 24/04/2011

The Brave Warriors beat a Shadow Team 6-1 at the Namibia Newspaper Cup tournament in Gobabis on Sunday evening.

The Brave Warriors took an early 2-0 lead through goals by Stanley Kamesiepo and Ronald Ketjijere, before Paulinus Angula opened the Shadow Team’s account midway through the first half. The Shadow Team clearly tired after the break as the Brave Warriors’ attacks started to count. Further goals by Pinias Jacob, Johannes Seibeb and a brace by Jordan Haimbili gave the Brave Warriors a comfortable 6-1 victory. Meanwhile, the defending champions Khomas, and Karas advanced to the final of the Namibian Newspaper Cup after winning their semifinals on Sunday. Khomas beat Omusati 4-0, while Karas beat Erongo 3-1.

The Losers section final will be contested by Ohangwena and Hardap, who beat Oshana 2-1 and Kunene 2-1 respectively. The Brave Warriors and Shadow Teams are as follows:

Brave Warriors

Virgil Vries, Athiel Mbaha, Ephraim Tjihonge, Hartman Toromba, Willem Mwedihanga, Richard Gariseb, Chris Katjiukua, Heini Isaacs, Ronald Ketjijere, Denzil Haoseb, Ninja Karongee, Ricardo Tjiuoro, Alfred Ndyenge, Jordan Haimbili, Bradley Wermann, Johannes Seibeb, Pineas Jacob, Ananias Gebhardt, Stanley Kamesiepo.

Shadow Team

Luther Humphries (Erongo), Kleopas Dido Shivolo (Oshana), Alex Muronga Haingura (Kavango), Theodosius Haoseb (Omaheke), Tuhafeni Mulukeni (Khomas), Regan Kamatjipose (Omaheke), Michah Rooi (Karas), Uaungura Kakujaha (Omaheke), Laurence Boois (Hardap), Lehagi Israel Nghilifa (Ohangwena), Quitida Haraseb (Kunene), David Kamati (Oshikoto), Ignasius Boois (Otjozondjupa), Muwana Mwala (Caprivi), Christiaan Doeseb (Erongo), Diegao Destane (Khomas), Nghishiitenge Shundeni (Ohangwena), Paulinus Angula (Oshikoto), Kalimba Liasias (Omusati).

Newspaper Cup squads - 19.04.2011

THE Namibian Newspaper Cup is less than three days away and the participating regions have assembled their finals squads to compete for top honours.

The development tournament, which kicks-off on April 21 in Gobabis and concludes on April 25, is limited to players born in 1992 and younger only.

Below are the final squads for four of the regions:

Oshikoto

Nandago Martin, An-Aobeb Pieter, Cornelius Cornelius, Johannes David, Gaeseb Olaff, Tsumeb Theofelus, Arno Norich, Gideon Nathan, Araeb Gorhard, Kambanda Edmund, Simon Imbondi, Dominicus Asser, Ivan Hoebeb, Engombe Onesmus, Shipanga Zenas, Pinehas Sakaria, Kamu Katjimune, Katau Paulus, Simon Nawa, Erick Tsam, Goareb Richard, John Ahsipala.

Hardap

Paul Gamatham, Hermanus Katingu, Joseph Isaacks, Terence Boois, Sylvester Goeieman, Dantago Swartbooi, Gebhard Hummel, Steward Goagoseb, Silvanus Swartz, Hendrick Bock, Romeo Kisting, Neville Brinkman, Clifford Kharugub, Abraham Frey, Uerivangavi Tjapaka, Ricelvin Isaaks, Paul Richter, Trevor van der Westhuizen, Donovan Swartz, Romario Boois, Jerome Markus, Fhyzel Visser, Lincoln Lambert.

Khomas

David Mika, Hermanus Katingu, Phostanch Kaakanea, Tuhafeni M’lukeni, Kaunahama Kanjaa, Terdius Uiseb, Lee-roy Adams, Lorenzo Louis, Edwin Kamaundju, Uendjisuvera Kandjou, Dynamo Fredricks, David Fredricks, Peter Steven, Denver Meyer, Batista Gomes, Dvid Kamati, Saul Tembo, Steven Gariseb, Obery Amseb, Charlton Kasera, Robert Xamseb, Immanuel Heita.

Otjozondjupa

Ignatius Boois, Alfons Skrywer, Dawid Evangelista, Richard Garisseb, Nelson Mandandi, Lesley Iyambo, Edward Majova, Donald Xam-Goaseb, Dico Kandundu, Vernui Ngozu, Theofelus Uaeta, Clemence Uwiteb, Patience Luipert, Winnie Shangombe, Hafeni Paulus, Himumuine Venjekerera, Ignatius Horaseb, Setrick Dantu, Albert McPaul, Immanuel Shilongo, Romario Mans, Richard Tjitjavi.

Southern Stream action heating up

The race for the promotion to the Premier League play offs is heating up in the Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) with the first five teams within five points of each other.

Monitronics College is leading the SSFD log with 34 points after 15 matches played. Tura Magic (31) are second followed by Spoilers (31), Swakopmund FC (30) and Hotspurs who are fifth with 29 points.

Hotspurs however have only played 14 matches and have a chance to climb the log after this weekend’s action where they are scheduled to play Desert Rollers and Winter Roses on Saturday and Sunday respectively at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

They will play their outstanding Round 15 match on Wednesday 4 May against Unam at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Desert Rollers are sixth with 22 points, followed by Young Beauties (20), Unam (17), Friends (15), Young Ones (14) and Fedics United (8), while Winter Roses are last with no points.

In the Northern Stream First Division (NSFD), United Stars from Rundu are leading the log with 29 points after Round 13.

Golden Bees are second with 23 points who have the same number of points but have a superior goal difference to Golden Bigs who are third. Rundu Chiefs are fourth with 22 points.

In last weekend’s action, United Stars beat 10th placed Young Rangers 4-2 and Touch and Go 1-0.

They will play Golden Bees on Saturday in Outjo and then Robber Chanties in Khorixas the next morning.

Touch and Go are fifth with 16 points and are followed by Cuca Tops (16), Epupa 11 Stars (16), Onambula United (14), Eleven Warriors (14), Young Rangers (13), Chief Santos (13), and Robber Chanties are last with 12 points.

First Division picks up pace - April 27, 2011 19:44 - namibiansun

ShareTHE race to qualify for next season’s Namibia Premier League (NPL) is set to go to the wire with teams from both the Southern and Northern Stream First Division in action this weekend. In the Southern Stream, Monitronic College leads the way having amassed 34 points from 15 matches played, three points more than Tura Magic and Spoilers from the same number of games. Former NPL side Hotspurs, who were leading the log standings at one stage, have since slipped down to 5th position, although they still have a game in hand, with surprise package Swakopmund FC occupying 4th position.

The weekend fixtures thus provide some exciting clashes as Monitronic travel to Okahandja to face the unpredictable boys from the Garden Town, Spoilers, before embarking on a trip to the coast to face surprise package Swakopmund FC.

Monitronic have built their success on astute defending with Seth ‘Jomo’ Gariseb in commanding form at the back for the college boys. Spoilers have just changed coaches, but will rely on the experience of club captain, Ben ‘Phura’ Khoeseb to see them prevail in front of their home crowd. Third placed Tura Magic will do well to get all six points when they travel to Keetmanshoop to face Fedics United on Saturday and Young Beauties on Sunday. Hotspurs appear to have the easiest of fixtures as they host the two Gobabis based sides in Desert Rollers and perennial whipping boys, Winter Roses, who have lost all 15 games they have played so far. Hotspurs have scored a massive 56 goals to lead the rest of the pack in goal scoring. Meanwhile, In the Northern Stream, it is former NPL side, United Stars who lead the log with 29 points from 13 matches played.

They have opened a 6-point lead over Golden Bees and Golden Bigs, while Rundu Chiefs are a further point behind in fourth position. Former Tsumeb powerhouse, Chief Santos, however are languishing in 11th place of the 12 team league and are in danger of being relegated to the Second Division. They will get a chance to get much needed points, when they host fellow strugglers Young Rangers, who have the surprising record of having scored the most goals in the league while also having conceded the most.

The winners of the respective streams automatically gain entrance to the elite League, while the teams finishing in the last three positions are relegated to the Regional Second Division. Catch the full fixture lists for both streams in tomorrow’s Namibian Sun.

Author: Hector Mawonga http://namibiansun.com/story/first-division-picks-pace

NPL breaks TV deal promise - 10.05.2011By: SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS

THE Namibia Premier League has failed to live up to its promise of screening over half of its matches for this season.

League supremo Johnny Johnson Doëseb indicated at the launch of the current campaign that a 60 per cent of top division league matches would be broadcast live on the national broadcaster’s television station. However with just two rounds of league action remaining for most teams, not a single match has been aired live as yet. In fact “discussions” between NBC and the NPL to air the promised games have been “on-going” since September last year. Yesterday, Doëseb told The Namibian Sport that they had ceased negotiations with the national broadcaster all-together. This, after he claimed in October, an agreement had been reached between the two parties for the live broadcasts of league matches.

He has since changed his tune, citing financial constraints as the result for terminating the talks. “It’s too costly,” Doëseb said of the scuppered TV deal. It is estimated to cost up to N$70 000 to broadcast a match live from Windhoek and slightly over N$100 000 if it is outside Windhoek. In addition to the live broadcasts, a highlight package for each of the 22 league rounds was also expected to be produced. “We realised that we cannot carry the production costs for NBC to set up equipment at the stadiums,” he added.

Instead, he said, the premier division was making arrangements with a different party in a bid to get next season’s games on the small screen. “We are planning something new for the next season. “I cannot disclose any details at this stage.” Doëseb, who has promised to revamp the face of Namibian football for the better, also dashed any hopes that domestic football lovers had of seeing the remainder of the season from the comfort of their homes.

“We have already found that it is financially not viable,” he said sharply. “There is no difference between the games now and the earlier ones. “That is why we are talking to other people.” – namibian.com.na

Hotspurs, United Stars gain promotion - Submitted by Namibia Sport Mag, 23/05/2011

Hotspurs and United Stars gained promotion to the MTC Premiership after winning the Southern Stream First Division and the Northern Stream First Division respectively on May 22.

Going into the final weekend’s matches, Tura Magic held a two-point lead over Hotspurs at the top of the Southern Stream log, but Hotspurs had an extra game in hand. Despite having to play two matches in the space of 24 hours, they rose to the occasion to beat Unam 3-0 on May 21 and Young Ones 1-0 the next day to win promotion amidst wild scenes of celebration.

Against Unam, their captain Thomas Itope scored two goals while Leonard Stanley added a third, and against Young Ones their top marksman Richard Kavendji scored the winning goal. It was Kavendji’s 24th goal in 22 matches which also saw him comfortably heading the top goalscorer chart.

Hotspurs’ coach Mec Naholo was elated by their return to the Premier League.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” he said shortly after the match against Young Ones.

“Maybe tomorrow I’ll have a clearer picture of what has happened,” he said.

“But I am happy for the players and for our chairman Theo Tjikuera, who was suspended earlier in the season under strange circumstances. A lot of people tried to break our spirit, but we persevered and came back,” he said.

“We were relegated from the Premier League last year, but we kept the majority of our players and I never had any doubt that we would return because we had the best players while we also scored the most goals,” he said.

Naholo said they would try to remain in the Premier League this time.

“In life you get a second chance, so this is our chance and we will try and do things differently this time around. We will start preparing for the Premier League as early as possible, and we will identify some new players that we need to make the squad stronger. We play good football and we belong in the Premier League,” he said.

United Stars also gained promotion to the MTC premiership after an absence of one year when they collected two victories on the final weekend.

On May 21 they beat Eleven Warriors 2-0 and the next day they beat their closest rivals, Rundu Chiefs 1-0. Although Chiefs still had a match in hand, they could not catch Stars anymore who had accumulated 50 points from 22 matches, while Chiefs were on 43 points from 22 matches.

Young Brave Gladiators off to Germany - Submitted by Namibiasport Magazine, 25/05/2011

A young Brave Gladiators squad will attend a three-day training camp ahead of their departure to Germany in June. They will report for training at 15h00 on the 15th of June at the NFA Soccer House.

The team will depart on the 18th of June and the team mainly consists of school children from various schools under the age of 20. There are however some senior players to help boost the team.

Once again the NFA Head of National teams Shipanga is continuing her commitment towards early talent identification and the grooming thereof, which has resulted in the exclusion of regular senior players such as Stefany Hummel, Queen Manga, Zuma Hamata, Salome Iiyambo and Lydia Eixas, who will all not be making the trip to Germany.

Shipanga was eager to reiterate her confidence in these players and reassured them of regular call ups to the senior national team should they continue to work hard.

The trip is an opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their potential to possible scouts from various clubs abroad - these players include the likes of Kleintjie Fredericks, Juliana Skrywer, Shirley Cloete and Tomalina Adams.

The technical staff also want to use the opportunity to already expose the majority of the U20 players to competitive football and thus prepare them adequately for the 2012 Zone VI Games in Zambia. The team will be captained by 20 year old Stacey Naris, a former scholar from Eldorado High School.

The officials will be Natasha Cloete as team manager, Klaus Staerk, the NFA technical director and Karl-Heinz Griesshaber a technical expert from Germany.

Jackey Gertse has been invited to attend a three-day FIFA Women's Football symposium in Frankfurt and will participate in panel discussions as well as deliver a presentation on the succesful Galz & Goals programme in Namibia. She will be accompanied by NFA secretary general Barry Rukoro.

Shipanga will also not make the trip with the team since she will be working at the FIFA Women's Football World Cup in Gemany as technical study member (TSG). The call up came as a big surprise for Shipanga.

“It was only last year that I was invited for the U17 World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago to pick up experience and usually the U/20 World Cup should have been the next step but already being called up for the senior one is a dream come true and a recognition from FIFA for my commitment towards the development of the women's game,” she said.

Shipanga was however quick to comment that her development was largely attributed to the NFA president John Muinjo, his executive and the secretariat under the leadership of Barry Rukoro who keep her on her toes regarding women's football development in Namibia and her personal development as well.

Rukoro punches journalist - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine, 24/05/2011

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary general, Barry Rukoro, allegedly punched a journalist after the Leo NFA Cup kit handover at the NFA house on Tuesday. Andreas Novotny, who is a freelance journalist, said that Rukoro punched him in the face just outside the NFA’s boardroom. “He came up to me and said something about me being a foreigner and punched me in the face, I totally did not expect it” Novotny said. Novortny, during the kit handover ceremony had questioned Rukoro on the eligibility of Civics’ captain Heini Isaacks to play in the final of the Leo NFA Cup on Saturday in Walvis Bay. Rukoro refused to answer him and instead threatened to throw Novotny out of the building. “That is very unprofessional of him to come out of a press conference and punch someone just because they challenge him. I am going to open a police case against him, he should know that he cannot behave like that,” Novotny said. Efforts to reach Rukoro were futile as he was not in the office and his cell phone was switched off.

Arrows win Leo NFA Cup final - Submitted by Helge Schutz 28/05/2011

Eleven Arrows beat Civics 2-0 to win the Leo NFA Cup in Walvis Bay on Saturday afternoon. Dumisa Jantze opened the scoring after only 5m while a second half penalty by Freedom Puriza secured their first NFA Cup victory since independence.

They had reached the final in 2009 when they lost on penalties to Orlando Pirates, while Civics lost after extra time to African Stars last year. Arrows received N$600 000 for their victory while Civics received 250 000 as runners up.

Civics will however feel aggrieved that their star player Heini Isaacks was ruled out of the match due to an administrative error by the NFA. Isaacs was suspended after picking up two yellow cards in separate games, but according to the tournament rules a player can only be suspended after picking up two yellow cards in one match.

The match was barely five minutes old before Arrows took the lead. Jantze sent in a corner which was cleared back to him and his rebound shot curled into the far corner of the net. Civics immediately attacked with Lucky Maselesele volleying a shot narrowly over the crossbar, while Costa Khaiseb put in a good run to send Maselesele clear, but his shot went into the sidenetting. Maselesele - playing in Isaacks’ attacking midfield role - was Civics’ most effective player, creating chances and once again coming close shortly before halftime when his shot from a corner was scrambled away. Arrows came out attacking in the second half, with a Jantze shot being deflected for a corner, while a Peter Ngwenya shot was well saved by Esau Tjuoro. Patrick Banda was also effective with his powerful runs from midfield and Tjiuoro once again saved well when Banda broke through on 63m. Arrows’ pressure told on 70m when they won a penalty after Wagga Jossob was fouled by Hans Witbooi in the box and Freedom Puriza sent his spotkick into the left hand corner of the net. The match became increasingly physical in the final stages with several stoppages due to injuries, and Civics rarely looked like threatening Arrows’ goals. In stead it was Arrows who finished stronger with Jossop and Banda both shooting narrowly wide in the final minutes.

When the final whistle went Arrows’ players and fans celebrated with elation, while their owner JJ Doeseb proudly held the Leo NFA Cup trophy aloft - his first major trophy since he took over the club three years ago.

Arrows midfielder Veno Namolo won N$25 000 as the Goalscorer of the Tournament with eight goals, while Civics midfielder Heini Isaacks, ironically, won the Player of the Tournament award, and a cheque of N$25 000.

Final Brave Warriors squad - Submitted by editor on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 12:33.

Brave Warriors coach Brian Isaacs on Thursday named his final squad of 20 players for Saturday’s AFCON qualifier against Burkina Faso.

Long serving goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha is a notable absentee, being dropped for the first time in more than five years. In his absence, Ephraim Tjihonge of SKW and Virgil Vries of Eleven Arrows have been named as the two keepers in the final squad.

The rest of the squad shows a marked preference for younger players, with several national Under 20 players being drafted into the final squad. This is in keeping with Isaacs’ earlier announcement that he would concentrate on developing the youth, following Namibia’s 4-0 defeat to Burkina Faso on March 27.

Denzil Haoseb of Black Africa, Teberius Lombaard of Tura Magic, Eslin Kamuhanga of Ramblers and Sydney Urikhob of Ramblers are all members of the National Under 20 squad.

Other surprising inclusions are Orlando Pirates midfielder Johannes Seibeb and Blue Boys striker Jordan Haimbili.

Notable absentees are Razundara Tjikuzu, who failed to arrive, Black Africa defender Da Costa Angula and African Stars midfielder Ninja Karongee.

The final squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

1 Ephraim Tjihonge SKW

2 Virgil Vries Eleven Arrows

Defenders:

3 Hartman Toromba - Black Africa

4 Richard Gariseb - Orlando Pirates

5 Jamu Ngatjizeko - African Stars

6 Oliver Risser - unattached

7 Willem Mwedihanga - Tigers

8 Gotlieb Nakuta - Blue Waters

Midfielders:

9 Teberius Lombaard - Tura Magic

10 Denzil Haoseb - Black Africa

11 Bradley Wermann - Black Africa

12 Johannes Seibeb - Orlando Pirates

13 Sydney Plaatjies - unattached

14 Ronald Ketjijere - African Stars

15 Eslin Kamuhanga - Ramblers

Strikers:

16 Wilko Risser - Elversberg

17 Jordan Haimbili - Blue Boys

18 Sydney Urikhob - Ramblers

19 Tangeni Shipahu - Amazulu

20 Rudolf Bester - Maritzburg United

Namibia crash to 4-1 defeat - Submitted by Helge Schutz on Sat, 04/06/2011

Namibia gave an uninspired display as they crashed to a 4-1 home defeat against Burkina Faso in Windhoek on Saturday. Burkina Faso dominated the match and took the lead after only 12 minutes when Abdul Traore scrambled in a loose ball. Burkina Faso won a penalty 12 minutes into the second half after a handball in the box and Aristide Bance scored from the spot, despite having to take the kick over for an infringement. Burkina Faso won another penalty on 75m when Namibian keeper Virgil Vries fouled Jonathan Pitroipa in the box and Alain Traore calmly shot into the top of the net.

Tangeni Shipahu pulled a goal back for Namibia on 84m but Jonathan Pitroipa made the final score 4-1 on 90m when he broke through Namibia’s defence to beat Vries from close range. Namibia had a few chances, notably through the creative Bradley Wermann and Rudolf Bester who supplied some good crosses, but their finishing was poor. The result put Burkina Faso firmly in the driving seat to qualify for the 2012 Afcon finals, while the future for Namibia looks bleak, after being so comprehensively outplayed at home.

Namibia played under protest as they claimed Cameroon-born Burkina Faso defender Herve Zengue was ineligible to play for Burkina Faso. Namibia Football Association secretary general Barry Rukoro submitted the protest to South African referee Jerome Damon just before the kick-off of the Group F match. The Confederation of African Football will now have to look into the protest and make a decision on the case. Burkina Faso were the first to attack and Alain Traore looked dangerous early on with a long range shot well saved by Virgil Vries. Their tall striker Aristide Bance put the ball into the net after 10m only to be ruled offside, but barely two minutes later they took the lead. Alain Traore headed a high ball down to Abdul Traore who scored from close range.

Bradley Wermann showed some good dribbling skills while Bester put in some good crosses, but there was no one to round it off. Just before halftime, Denzil Haoseb came close when his shot was deflected for a corner. Namibia came out attacking in the second half with Wermann shooting narrowly wide after a fine solo run, but it was not long before the visitors increased their lead. They won a freekick on 55m and when Yahia Kebe’s shot crashed into the wall, the referee adjudged that it was a handball and pointed to the spot. Bance scored with his first attempt but the referee ordered a retake after an infringement. Bance however also succeeded with his second shot to put Burkina Faso 2-0 up. Sydney Urikhob came on for Denzil Haoseb after 61m and soon made an impression with his pressure and pace. He had a shot saved on 72m, but barely two minutes later Burkina Faso went further ahead. After a quick counterattack substitute Jonathan Pitroipa broke through Namibia’s defence into the penalty box. Namibian keeper Virgil Vries tried to clear the ball but the referee adjudged that he had brought Pitroipa down and pointed to the spot. Alain Traore stepped up and calmly slotted the ball over Vries into the roof of the net.

The home fans were not impressed and started streaming for the exits, but Tangeni Shipahu finally scored for Namibia when he controlled a pass by Wermann to score from close range. Burkina Faso however had the final say when Aristide Bance sent through a defence splitting pass to Jonathan Pitroipa who beat Vries from close range. In injury time Bance once again came close when his shot bounced off the post.

Burkina Faso 4 Namibia 1

Burkina Faso:

Abdul Traore 13m, Aristide Bance 57m, Alain Traore 75m, Jonathan Pitroipa 90m

Namibia:

Tangeni Shipahu 84m

Youth organisers refute Rukoro claims - Submitted by NamibiaSportMagazine, 16/06/2011

The organisers of an Under 17 International Youth Tournament in Germany have refuted claims that Namibia was given special permission to enter an Under 20 team for the competition or that other teams also had overage players in the tournament.

Namibia’s Under 20 team won the VfL Theesen International Youth Tournament on Monday when they beat Arminia Bielefeld Under 17 1-0 in the final through a goal by Black Africa striker Roger Katjiteo.

NFA secretary general Barry Rukoro told a local daily on Tuesday that Namibia was given special permission to field an overage team in the competition and that they were not the only team with overage players at the tournament. These claims were however refuted by the Sports Director of VfL Theesen’s Youth Department, Wolfgang Klee, who said that they thought Namibia had entered an Under 17 team for the tournament.

“All the organisers in Theesen thought that Namibia had entered an Under 17 team. We are strict on the age limit and none of the other teams entered overage players,” he said.

“The main organiser of the tournament, Michael Haselhorst told me that neither he, nor the club had been asked for special permission to enter an overage team,” he added.

All the teams had to submit team lists before each match with the players’ passport numbers and birth dates. According to Klee, all the teams did this except Namibia, who entered their lists without birth dates. Klee however said that they accepted Namibia’s bona fides.

“For us it was not a problem because we thought that everything had been checked between the NFA and Westfalia. We have had national teams here before like Spain and the USA, but we never checked the passports of the national teams, that would be disrespectful,” Klee said.

The Namibian team had been invited to Germany by the Nordrhein Westphalia region, as part of a longstanding bilateral sport agreement between the two nations. However, even Namibia’s hosts, Westphalia, were under the impression that Namibia had sent an Under 17 team.

According to the official website of Westphalia’s Football and Athletics Association, Namibia U17 beat a Westphalia U16 team 4-2 in a friendly match on June 2. According to a match report on the website, several key players of the Westphalia U16 team were missing due to injuries or national commitments.

On June 9 Namibia beat an Under 17 regional Westphalia team 3-1 in another friendly.

According to the website www.svdringenberg the Namibian U17 team made use of their physical advantage in the second half, while some of the Namibian players were far bigger than their German opponents.

Several of the players in the Namibian squad represented Namibia Under 17 nearly three years ago in September 2008 when they beat Zambia in an African U17 qualifier. They include Collin Ndjai, Benson Shilongo, Neville Tjiueza and Petrus Shitembi.

Klee said it did not make sense to enter an overage team in the tournament.

“In my opinion it does not make sense to play against younger teams because you won’t get any information on the status of your own players. It is only reasonable to play against the same aged teams to see where you stand in relation to top international youth teams.”

Klee said they could do nothing about the results now, but a lot of damage had been done.

“We are not interested in doing anything bad for the players and the Namibian team, but a lot of damage has been done. I got a lot of negative comments from different internet communities like Facebook and I am really unhappy with the situation,” he said.

Jacobs calls for a foreign coach Written by Penda Jonas Hashoongo - Wednesday, 15 June 2011

FOLLOWING his omission from the Brave Warriors squad that played against Burkina Faso a little over a fortnight ago, Quinton Jacobs has called for the appointment of a foreign national team coach to replace the incumbent alleged agenda-driven technical team. In an exclusive interview with Informanté, Jacobs said he was puzzled by the reasons given for his omission from the national team and furthermore that the technical team had not known his whereabouts.

“I was left out because I apparently didn’t have a team or I was unattached, but there were other players in the team who were also unattached. “I don’t understand because I was playing in India on a three months contract and what kind of national team coach doesn’t know what the players are doing?” asked Jacobs on his omission. Brave Warriors’ caretaker coach Brian Isaacs had told Informanté in the run-up to the Burkina Faso match that the Midfielder’s omission was not due to him being unattached, but rather that he had not been training on a regular basis like the other unattached players who were picked for the AFCON qualifier. Jacobs added that he hoped the introduction of a foreign national team coach to replace Brian Isaacs would bring with it assistant coaches that are willing to work with him. “I just hope that we get a new foreign coach so that he can bring in some assistants that can work with him and not against him. Like (Tom) Saintfiet with Ronny (Kanalelo) and Brian (Isaacs) who just wanted to get him out so they could take over his (Saintfiet) position.” The former African Stars Midfielder also challenged comments made by Kanalelo after the first leg in Ouagadougou, when he called some players spoilt, saying that Kanalelo had no right to insinuate that players were only motivated by money when he “left his country to play for money at Sundowns in South Africa.”

In response, Kanalelo said that it was a trivial matter and that it was an open-secret that players could not make a living from the wages paid at the national level. Jacobs, who is in negotiations with Indian team United Sikkim FC for a one-year contract says his only ambitions at the moment are to secure a long term contract with the team and play well for them to open up more doors for his professional career.

‘Miscommunication’ blamed in overage saga - Submitted by editor on Thu, 06/23/2011

The Namibian football overage saga took a new twist on Thursday when it emerged that miscommunication between the organisers, VfL Theesen, and Namibia’s hosts in Germany, Westfalia, led to the mix-up of Namibia fielding an overage team at the U17 tournament.

The Sports Director of VfL Theesen’s Youth Department, Wolfgang Klee told Namibia Sport that it seemed that the Westfalia Football and Athletics Association (FLvW) had lied to them about the fact that Namibia had overage players.

“I read in the Namibian media that over all these years, it was commonly accepted between the NFA and Westfalia that Namibia had used overage players. The conclusion to these statements can only be that Westfalia is telling us, the tournament organizers, lies. Our own association is lying to a member,” he said.

A Namibian daily on Wednesday quoted Director of Sport Dr Vetumbuavi Veii as saying that Westfalia must have known about the players’ ages and that they had been sending players older than 17 years for several years on their Youth Camp tours to Westfalia.

“Before we go we usually send them (Westfalia) the players’ passports,” Veii was quoted as saying.

“I don’t believe that ... for Westfalia to claim that they did not know about the players’ ages. For sure they knew about our players in order for them to facilitate our visas,” he added.

Klee denied that any of the other teams had used overage players at the tournament.

“I read that an official said that there have also been older players from other teams. This is not true - what is the strategy behind this? Is the aim just to repeat it often enough so that the public will believe it in the end?”

Klee also pointed out that it was the FLvW who had requested an explanation from Namibia’s Ministry of Sport regarding the players’ ages, and not the tournament organisers, VfL Theesen.

“It must be clear that we are not and have not been in contact with the NFA or any other organization in Namibia. We are only in contact with the FLvW,” he said.

Klee said that he did not have a problem with Namibia winning the tournament, just with the fact that they had not been told that Namibia was using overage players.

“For us in Theesen it is not a problem that Namibia won the tournament. Everybody here was happy that they won while everybody was also very respectful to all the players and officials. But it would also have been respectful if an official told us that there were U20 players so that we could correct the misunderstanding.”

“But till now we do not have an official statement that it has really been an u20 team. We will now correct our winning list from u17 to u20, because we cannot play the tournament again. They played well - the Namibian U20 team,” he said.

Klee said that it did not make sense to enter an overage team for the tournament.

“The aim of the bilateral programme is to develop football and for it to work you have to see how good your players are in relation to players of the same age. It is not helpful if you play against younger teams. It is nice to win, but it is more important to win fairly,” he said.

Westfalia had not commented on the matter at the time of going to press.

Pressenotiz des VfL Theesen

Stellungnahme zum Turnierergebnis

Im Nachgang des 38. Int. B-Junioren-Pfingstturniers des VfL Theesen e.V. um den Pokal der Sparkasse Bielefeld gibt es Zweifel am Alter einiger namibischer Spieler.

Die Spielberechtigung der Spieler der teilnehmenden Mannschaften wird bei einem Bundesliga-Turnier durch die Spielleitung grundsätzlich nicht geprüft, da alle Spielerdaten transparent und öffentlich sind. Auch bei regulären Pflichtspielen werden Spielerpässe niemals von den Vereinen geprüft. Darüber hinaus fänden wir es respektlos die Daten einer Nationalmannschaft zu prüfen, die zu dem noch über den Fußball- und Leichtathletik –Verband Westfalen e.V. (FLVW) zum Jugendaustausch über mehrere Wochen nach Deutschland eingeladen wurde.

Eine Stellungnahme des FLVW liegt dem VfL Theesen mittlerweile vor, aus der wir hier zitieren: „Der Fußball- und Leichtathletik Verband Westfalen e.V. bedauert die entstandenen Irritationen zur Altersbezeichnung der Namibischen Mannschaft und das diese nun im Rückblick auf das tolle Turnier in Theesen im Fokus stehen. Für diesen Umstand möchten wir uns im Namen der Namibian Football Association entschuldigen. Der FLVW hat die U17-Nationalmannschaft Namibias zum Jugendaustausch eingeladen. Nach unseren eigenen Erkenntnissen wurde die Begegnung mit dem entsprechenden Jahrgang durchgeführt. Die U17-Nationalmannschaft konnte auf Grund technischer Probleme erst am Donnerstag, 16.06.2011 nach Namibia zurückfliegen. Wir erwarten am Montag, den 20.06.2011 ein offizielles Bestätigungsschreiben des Ministeriums mit Altersangaben. Um zukünftig Irritationen zu vermeiden, werden wir uns im Vorfeld der Maßnahme eine Spielerliste mit Geburtsdaten vorlegen lassen“.

Der VfL Theesen arbeitet weiter an einer vollständigen Aufklärung.

Bielefeld, den 19.06.2011

Vorstand, Jugendleitung und Turnierausschuss des VfL Theesen e.V.

Isaacs - We have nothing to lose - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine, 28/06/2011

Brave Warriors coach, Brian Isaacs says that the team has nothing to lose when they face the Malawi Flames in a friendly match in Blantyre on July 6.

The match will be played as part of Malawi’s Independence Celebrations. Isaacs said he would not call up extra players to replace the ones that are not available for the match. “We called up a team of 27 players and we will use players from that squad to replace the players who have informed us of their unavailability as they are on trials at different clubs,” Isaacs said. Premiership Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, Bradley Wermann will not be available because he is in Thailand on trial at Osotspa Saraburi FC where Lazarus Kaimbi was loaned out to by Jomo Cosmos. Civics’ Heini Isaacs is currently in Austria on trail at Premier League Club Sturm Graz. Da Costa Angula will also not be available due to work commitments. “Virgil Vries is currently in South Africa and will only be back in Namibia on Friday and we will then have to discuss with him if he will be available to travel to Malawi with us,” Isaacs said. Vries is attending trials at Golden Arrows in South Africa. Isaacs added that the match would be difficult as he was going to field a largely inexperienced team. “There is a lot of pressure on the team, it will be hard to beat the Malawians at home especially with our team that is inexperienced at international level.” “I just want the team to get the necessary experience in this friendly match and we have nothing to lose at this stage,” he added. He however said that for the next qualifier against the Gambia, he would also use some of the experienced senior players. “For the Gambia match, the inclusion of the youngsters will mainly depend on how they perform against Malawi, but I will mix them with the professionals,” Isaacs said. Isaacs also quashed rumours that he did not have the final say on the selection of the players in the Brave Warriors squad. “People will always have something to say about the selection but I can tell you that I am the one who has the final say in the team’s selection as the head coach.”

The team is scheduled to leave Namibia on Monday for Malawi. The Brave Warriors squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Virgil Vries (Eleven Arrows), Ephraim Tjihonge (SKW), Max Mbaeva (African Stars), Arnold Subeb (Black Africa).

Defenders:

Chris Katjiukua (Eleven Arrows), Willem Mwedihanga (Tigers), Larry Horaeb (SKW), Dennis Ngueza (African Stars), Pat Nevin Uanivi (African Stars), Freedom Puriza (Eleven Arrows), Edmund Kambanda (Benfica), Alfeus Handura (Tura Magic), Teberius Lombaard (Tura Magic)

Midfielders:

Jordan Haimbili (Blue Boys), Willy Stephanus (Black Africa), Neville Tjiueza (Tura Magic), Gebhardt Ananias (Tigers), Eslin Kamuhanga (Ramblers), Petrus Shitembi (Rundu Chiefs), Ronald Ketjijere (African Stars), Denzil Haoseb (Black Africa).

Strikers:

Sidney Urikhob (Ramblers), Roger Katjiteo (Black Africa), Benson Shilongo (Ramblers).

NPL SIDES MUST GET SPONSORS - Submitted by Corry Ihuhua Sun Reporter on Wed, 2011-06-29

NAMIBIAN Premiership teams should look for their own sponsors ahead of the new season in September instead of relying on the N$35 000 monthly grants for league obligations.

This is the view of Namibia Premier League (NPL) chairman Johnny Johnson Doeseb, who said the issue will be addressed at their forthcoming strategic meeting set for between 8 and 10 July. The meeting will be attended by club bosses, team managers, offi ciating offi - cials and possibly sponsors and will look at issues such as funding, youth development and other operational aspects of the league, amongst others. He said some premiership clubs must start to sustain themselves, instead of being ‘spoonfed’ like in previous seasons.

“The ones with no credible sponsors must be pro-active in securing funding to be self sustainable. Teams must take ownership and engage in income generating activities. The grant they receive each month from the league is just a small incentive aimed at complementing their efforts to meet their league obligations. It is not money to make a living and run their clubs on,” he said. Doeseb says football bosses must ‘stop talking and get into action’ because football is a business and they should see it as such for a competitive edge in the league. Doeseb singled out a town such as Rundu, talking about how it would become involved with the activities of United Stars, a team that hails from that end.

“The team must have a home stadium so that they can have their supporters at the venue instead of playing their matches in Grootfontein each week. They lose revenue and the Rundu Town Council must provide the structures for the team to make an income from gatetakings,” he said. “At the moment, competition is not on par with some of the professionally administered clubs, as the ones with little resources are less competitive due to a lack of exposure on many fronts,” he said. On average, running costs for a premiership team in a month is N$80 000, while some spent over N$125 000. Doeseb says this puts a heavy strain on individuals, who pay from their pockets in the absence of a sponsor. He urged teams to mobilise their supporters for fundraising activities, while the club management should look at alternative ways such as replica shirt sales and related issues.

“There are many ways to generate funds as a football team. If investors or sponsors realise that teams at least try to help themselves, they will easily get involved. But if there are no proper structures and direction in terms of their operations, no investor will be interested,” he said. At the moment, premiership clubs which at least have guaranteed sustainability include African Stars, Black Africa and Civics, while Eleven Arrows must fi nd a new fi nancial arm as Doeseb pulled out as the owner recently.

Stars has multi-millionaire Sidney Martin as their fi nancial backer and at the same time, also secured First National Bank of Namibia (FNB) as a sponsor, while Black Africa looks to businessman Ranga Haikali, while they also have FNB Namibia in their pocket. Civics has a long-standing partnership with Buschschule Namibia and is looked after by Helmuth Scharnowski. The three teams with the sole investors for the past season are reported to have invested over N$1 million in salaries, administration, travelling, training camps, playing gear, bonuses and other expenses.

Clubs such as Tigers, Eleven Arrows, and Orlando Pirates are also enjoying sponsorships from FNB Namibia, determined according to respective agreements. Blue Waters from the coast has the support of the Langer Heinrich Mine, while Eleven Arrows also has Africa Personnel Services (APS) as their backers. Newcomers Hotspurs and United Stars have no sponsors, while Ramblers, Sport Klub Windhoek and Mighty Gunners also have minimal sponsorship from several businesses. Sponsorships to these clubs range according to their needs and certain agreements they have in place with the bank.

Apart from the sponsorships, the league gives N$35 000 to all the premiership teams every month specifi - cally to honour their league matches as scheduled each weekend. MTC, as the lead fi nancial provider to the league, last season sponsored N$10 million, of which just over N$2 million went to prize monies, while the bulk of the money was given as monthly grants to teams. Doeseb added that the meeting will also discuss the scheduling of the fi xtures, but they will not be released on that weekend, adding that the new season resumes in mid- September. No date has been given yet.

Pirates boot technical team - by Carlos Kambaekwa New Era 30/06/2011

WINDHOEK – Another frustrating trophy-less season has prompted Katutura football giants FNB Orlando Pirates to resolve to send its underachieving technical staff packing.

Sources close to the Buccaneers revealed to New Era Sports that the Ghosts have decided not to renew the contracts of technical adviser Woody Jacobs, who also strangely doubled up as head coach – thus reducing Gilbert Rwasoka (coach) to the cameo role of a ball boy. The Zimbabwean mentor has fallen out of favour with the Pirates’ hierarchy because of his dislike for interference in the discharge of his functions - something that did not exactly go well down the throats of the powers that be at the Dolam-based outfit. After failing to retain the coveted MTC Premiership title which they won in the 2007/2008 season – Pirates roped in the services of Zimbabwean mentor Rwasoka to steer the ship clear of troubled waters – but the much travelled Zimbabwean found himself in the cold following the arrival of Jacobs. Rwasoka’s contract also expired at the end of last season and the club has made it clear there is no desire to renew it. Jacobs, who had an unsuccessful short stint with the Buccaneers in 2010 before he was shown the door halfway through the season, was a surprise acquisition given his earlier unceremonious exit from the Buccaneers ship.

The club is rumoured to be after the signature of Ali “Mr Fix It” Akan, but has apparently been put off by the Turkish national’s heavy salary demands. It’s still not clear as to whether the club will retain the services of former Pirates’ blue-eyed boy, Ishmael “Lemmy Special” Narib, as assistant coach or whether the old statesman would be relieved of his duties.

A prolific striker with the Ghosts in his heyday, Narib is a founder member of Pirates and has served the club in various capacities with distinction since his retirement in the early eighties. He was among the first local footballers to be recruited by South African glamour football club Kaizer Chiefs where he spent a season before returning to his native land to rejoin his beloved Pirates. Approached for comment, the club’s media liaison officer, Wessel Nanuseb, said: “Obviously, there were certain conditions set when we employed both Rwasoka and Jacobs but unfortunately those conditions have not been met. As a result, both parties mutually resolved to terminate the relationship.” Nanuseb also squashed rumours linking local mining mogul Johnny “JJD” Doeseb with a move to the Ghosts after his shock resignation from Eleven Arrows. “Yes there are such talks doing the rounds that prompted us to seek clarity with Doeseb for confirmation which he flatly denied. So, as far as we are concerned that’s hogwash.”

Young Brave Warriors shock Malawi - Submitted by Namibai Sport Magazine, 06/07/2011

Brian Isaacs’ new look Brave Warriors side scored a major upset when they beat Malawi 1-0 in an international friendly match in Mzuzu, northern Malawi on Wednesday afternoon.

Sydney Urikhob scored the only goal of the match with a world class strike with five minutes remaining. He intercepted a Malawi pass, and beat two defenders before unleashing a cracking shot that flew into the net.

The match took place in front of more than 60 000 spectators at a jam packed Mzuzu Stadium who were celebrating Malawi’s Independence Day. There were few chances in the first half, but Namibia came close 13 minutes into the second half when Urikhob was put clear but with only the goalkeeper to beat he shot wide of the mark. Urikhob however made up for this when he pounced onto a loose ball in the 85th minute and raced clear to score a superb goal. Namibia’s Head of Delegation, JJ Doeseb, told Namibia Sport that it was a great performance by the youthful side who had done their country proud. “It was a great performance by our boys. They rose to the occasion and they have done us proud as a nation. There were few individual stars, but they rather worked together as a unit,” he said. Doeseb raved about Urikhob’s goal, saying that it was a ‘world class goal’. “Sydney scored a world class goal of individual brilliance. He intercepted the ball and took on and beat their defenders, before shooting the ball into the net.”

According to Doeseb, Namibia’s fine effort was even applauded by the Malawi crowd, who started cheering for them towards the end of the match. “They won the crowd over with their positive play and at the end of the match they were singing and celebrating with our boys. It was amazing - they even won over the Malawi crowd,” he said. At the final whistle the Brave Warriors had won over the Malawi crowd who started singing and celebrating with the Namibian players.

The Namibian team:

Ephraim Tjihonge, Willem Mwedihanga, Chris Katjiukua, Ronald Ketjijere (captain), Denzil Haoseb, Dennis Tjetinda, Neville Tjiueza, Ananias Gebhardt, Eslin Kamuhanga, Roger Katjiteo and Sydney Urikhob.

Kapukare: Nganjone’s recovery is vital for TISAN team - Written by Elvis Uahatjiri Mbaha - Wednesday, 20 July 2011

As the Tertiary Institutions Sports Association of Namibia’s (TISAN) men’s football team prepares for the World Student Games in China in August, they will be strengthened, if injury prone maestro midfilder Robert “Robbo” Nganjone recovers from an ankle injury.

This is according to the head coach Wilhem Kapukare: “Nganjone’s role at the CUCSA games in neighbouring Botswana last year was phenomenal for the team that preluded the TISAN men’s football team’s climb to glory, where they won the competition. If you were in Botswana you would not want to go to China without Nganjone. He was fantastic for the team”, Kapukare said.

If it was not for injuries the African Stars’ creative midfielder would have a bright future beyond Namibia’s borders. His style of play can be compared to Arsenal’s captain Cesc Fabregas.

Kapukare is hoping to see him resuming training soon. He reckoned that the reason why he selected him at national level is simply because he is good for the national TISAN team. The games will be held in Shenzhen, China, from 8-24 August and only sixteen teams qualified for the competition.

A preliminary squad of thirty players have been selected and will eventually be cut down to eighteen players.

Namibia is drawn in Pool A alongside hosts China, Korea and Columbia and will play against China at the opening ceremony.

The preliminary squad of 30 players are:

Serverius Nangolo, Willem Mwedihanga and Sandano Katali(allTigers), Robert Nganjone, Ronald Ketjijere, Ricardo Tjiuoro and Pat Uanivi(all African Stars), Brian Bantam, Jeremo Louis, Mervin Katire, Quiton Kuruseb and Jack Mabuku(all Black Africa), Viera Tjiueza and Penduleni Nekundi(both SKW), Thomas Shilumba and Stanley Newmann(both Hotspurs), Friedel Kheibeb and Marchell Delie(both Young Ones), Jaanda Ngozu, Engelbrecht Kandjenje, Adreas Shipena, Barakian Hilarius and Levi Muhuure(all unattached), Mukutile Sedney(Katima Wanderers), Simon Shikokola( Ramblers),Lancelot Mukasa and Oswaldo Xamaseb(both Tura Magic), Uakotora Mbatera( Civics), Petrus Shitembi(Rundu Chiefs) and Michael Akwenye (Cuca Tops) writer’s details: (Elvis Uahatjiri Mbaha is a community reporter in Windhoek)

More age cheats uncovered - By: SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS http://www.namibian.com.na

Eslin Kamuhanga and Roger Katjiteo - 28.07.2011

NAMIBIAN youth internationals Eslin Kamuhanga and Roger Katjiteo are the latest players to be implicated in an age cheating scandal, a news report on NBC television aired on Tuesday revealed.

The pair, who have represented the country from under-17 through to senior level, reportedly altered their ages in order to qualify for the junior national sides. They are believed to be part of larger group of footballers cheating the system by falsifying their age.

An NBC probe into allegations of Namibia having fielded over-aged players in a German international under-17 tournament last month led to the fresh revelations. Katjiteo bagged vital goals which helped Namibia win the youth tournament.

While the lanky Black Africa forward’s date of birth is registered on the club’s website as March 26,1993, the report claims he was in fact born on July 17, 1989 and answered to the name Ukarapo Katjiteo.

The investigation sites a 2004 class register at his former school A Shipena Secondary School in Windhoek. He was an integral part of the Omaheke region’s The Namibian Newspaper Cup winning team in 2008 and was known as 15-year-old Roger Kumbee.

Former schoolmate Kamuhanga claims he was born on May 6,1992, however according to a class register of 2002 his 'real' date of birth is May 6, 1987. Hence Kamuhanga is 24 years-old, while Katjiteo is aged 22 and not 19 and 18 as their passports state respectively. This makes Kamuhanga ineligible to play for any national junior side, while Katjiteo can still feature for the under 23's. The damning report also almost never saw the light of day as under 20 head coach Bernard Kaanjuka – also the country's deputy director of sports - is said to have exerted his influence to try and suppress the information.In fact, a “dismissive” Kaanjuka stopped an attempt to interview the players without 'valid reasons'.

The introduction of a new registration system last year exposed the double identity of Ramblers FC’s utility player Emilio Martin. Martin (21) had been masquerading as 17 year-old Sem Ipinge the previous season.

The new system also flushed-out nearly 40 players who were found to have lowered their ages. At the time, NFA’s head of registration Titus Kunamuene said the association would launch an investigation, a stance he maintained yesterday when contacted for comment.

In contrast, his senior and NFA secretary general Barry Rukoro said he was not interested in investigating players who were thought to have altered their ages or names. “These things are very complicated,” Kunamuene told The Namibian Sport. “We are not condoning age cheating,” he said. “The NFA does not tell players to change their ages.” According to Kunamuene the NFA has difficulty in conducting thorough background checks on players due to stringent privacy laws. This is the second time in two years that Namibian football is alleged to have had players changing their ages with little intervention from the football authority, a situation likely to deprive the deserving youngsters opportunity to represent the country in their respective age categories. “I don't know who gave NBC permission to go to the school,” he added. “We must do these things in the right manner. “I've got no right to go to (the Ministry of) Home Affairs and look for another person's information without their approval.” - sheefeni@namibian.com.na

Brave Warriors drawn to play Djibouti - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine, 30/07/2011

The Brave Warriors were drawn to play against Djibouti in the 2014 Brazil World Cup preliminary knock out matches for the 24 lowest ranked African teams.

The draw was done in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday. Djibouti were ranked 194 on the latest FIFA/Coca Cola rankings released on Wednesday. Namibia on the other hand climbed 13 places and were placed 140 in the world and 38 in Africa. Namibia will play the first leg of the qualifier in Djibouti City. The second leg will be in Windhoek. The preliminary qualifiers will be played in the period from 11 to 15 November on a home and away basis. If the Brave Warriors beat Djibouti they will go through to the World Cup Qualifiers with the remaining 28 participating member associations from CAF that will consist of 10 groups of four countries each. They would be placed in Group F with Nigeria, Malawi, and either Seychelles or Kenya.

The next stage of qualifiers will take place between June 2012 and September 2013.

The winners of each group will advance to a third round of five two legged knock out ties, which will be held in October and November 2013. The five winners of these ties will advance to the 2014 Brazil World Cup Finals.

Other match ups in the preliminary draw:

Kenya vs Seychelles

Mozambique vs Comoros

Ethiopia vs Somalia

Eritrea vs Rwanda

Sao Tome vs Congo

Guinea Bissau vs Togo

Mauritius vs Liberia

Equatorial Guinea vs Madagascar

Lesotho vs Burundi

Swaziland vs DRC

Chad vs Tanzania

African Zone Draw

Group A: South Africa, Botswana, Central African Republic, Somalia or Ethiopia ?

Group B: Tunisia, Cape Verde Islands, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea or Madagascar ?

Group C: Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco, Gambia, Chad or Tanzania ?

Group D: Ghana, Zambia, Sudan, Lesotho or Burundi ?

Group E: Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger, Sao Tome e Principe or Congo

Group F: Nigeria, Malawi, Seychelles or Kenya, Djibouti or Namibia ?

Group G: Egypt, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Comoros or Mozambique

Group H: Algeria, Mali, Benin, Eritrea or Rwanda

Group I: Cameroon, Libya, Guinea-Bissau or Togo, Swaziland or Congo DR

Group J: Senegal, Uganda, Angola, Mauritius or Liberia

Namibia B beat SA U23 1-0 Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Wed, 10 Aug 2011

The Brave Warriors B team gave a fine display to beat South Africa U23 1-0 in a friendly match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Wednesday evening. Neville Tjiueza scored the winning goal when he headed in a freekick on 53m. Ten minutes later South Africa winger Sameehg Doutie hit the back of the net only to have his effort ruled out for offside. In the final stages South Africa pushed hard for the equaliser but Namibia’s defence held out for a memorable victory, that was celebrated by the 2 000-odd fans in attendance.

In an evenly matched contest, South Africa did the early attacking with Thabang Motau and Phumelelo Bhengu providing some dangerous crosses from the wings. Motau came close shooting narrowly wide on 20m, while a long range effort by captain Doctor Mampuru was just tipped over the bar by Namibian keeper Max Mbaeva. For Namibia, an early shot by Petrus Shitembi was tipped for a corner, while Neville Tjiueza, Willy Stephanus and captain Sydney Urikhob were dangerous on the counterattack, although the latter was caught offside a few times. There was drama early in the second half when Tiberius Lombard cleared a shot by Bhengu off Namibia’s goal line, but it was the home side who took the lead when Neville Tjueza rose high in the box to head a freekick into an empty net. South Africa upped the tempo and thought they had equalised on 63m when Doutie volleyed home a cross by Temba Zwane, but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside. South African midfield substitute Sibusiso Vilakazi had a 30m shot saved, while Bongo Jayiya came close when he was just too late to latch onto a Zwane cross. In the final stages substitute Christiaan Doeseb and Stephanus drew some cheers with their fancy dribbling skills, but Max Mbaeva also got a yellow card for time wasting. Doeseb had a great opportunity to score a second goal when he broke clear of the defence, but with just the goalie to beat he shot over the crossbar.

For Namibia, goalie Max Mbaeva and Tiberius Lombard stood out in defence, while Neville Tjiueza had a fine match in midfield. In attack Willy Stephanus and Sidney Urikhob were a handful for the South African defence while substitute Christiaan Doeseb impressed with his ball skills.

Ramblers for sale - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Mon, 15 / 08 / 2011

Last season’s MTC NPL runners-up, Ramblers Football Club are looking for buyers for their Premier League status after a deal with two potential buyers fell through.

Jorge da Purificacao, executive member of Ramblers, said they had decided to sell the league status of the club because they could not afford to keep the club in the MTC Premier League.

“Ramblers does not have a sponsor to run a Premier League team and the costs are much more than the N$35 000 MTC gives every month. We need at least N$70 000 to pay the salaries of the players,” Da Purificacao said.

Da Purificacao said two parties were interested in buying the club’s status but both deals had fallen through. “Oshakati City had shown interest so that they could come back into the league but they couldn’t meet the requirements they had set for themselves in their proposal,” he said.

“There was a group of individuals from the coast who were also interested but their proposal was too little considering what had already been invested in the club,” he continued. “If we do not get a buyer before the start of the season we will participate in the 2011/2012 season while we continue looking for a buyer. In fact our players have already started training for the new season.” Da Purificacao said they planned to concentrate more on youth development in the next few years. “We will be focusing more on our youth development in the next few years and then look at coming back to the Premier League in the next three to five years,” he said. “The important thing is that Ramblers Football Club will always be there; we might all go away but the club will always be there.”

Meanwhile Da Purificacao confirmed that Christy Guruseb who coached the team to a second place finish last season had been approached to coach Civics. “He received an offer and he informed us about it but we are not sure if he has signed the contract yet,” he said. “His contract with Ramblers ended at the conclusion of last season and he is a free agent.” “We, on the other hand, are still in negotiations with people for the coaching job,” Da Purificacao concluded.

The chairman of Ramblers club Harald Hecht confirmed that they were looking for a new buyer, adding that the players’ contracts would be taken over. “The new management will have to take over the existing contracts of the players and they must decide if they will keep the players or not,” he said.

Civics’ manager Paul Stramis confirmed to Namibia Sport that they had signed Christie Guruseb as their head coach for the new season, with Jeremy Zimmer as the assistant coach.

“Tjiueza is going Nowhere”, Tura Magic Coach - Source Informante

Wednesday, 17 August 2011

Tura Magic football club coach, Timotheus Tjongarero avoided discussing speculation over his skipper, Neville Tjiueza, moving on to top Premier League clubs. Despite interest from Premier League clubs, Tjongarero insisted that the national under-20 and Tura Magic playmaker is going nowhere. “I am confident Neville will stay," said Tjongarero. "We don't have many like Neville Tjiueza and it would not be good for us if he leaves the club and I don't think it would be good for him as well. He knows what a club is and he is part of it", stated Tjongarero. Tjiueza's brilliant performance for both his club and the national team caught the eyes of top Premier League clubs.

MTC Premier League champions, Black Africa and African Stars are amongst the Premier League sides interested in the young midfielder. In an exclusive interview with Informanté, Black Africa's Technical Director Brian Isaacs and African Stars’ coach Bobby Samaria admitted that they want the player. "Yes I'm interested in the midfielder but it is too early to discuss the whole matter", said Samaria. Isaacs said; "We are interested in Neville but he is still a Tura Magic player therefore we honour that."

Neville was part of the national under-20 team that won International Youth Championships in Germany in June this year. He was voted Player of the Tournament. The midfielder was also instrumental in the national under-20 side that finished second at the COSAFA Youth Championships in Botswana last year. He made his debut for the Brave Warriors on 6th July this year against Malawi, a match that was part of the celebration of Malawi's Independence, and his performance was phenomenal. Recently, his only goal aided the Brave Warrior’s to overcome South Africa's under 23 side.

Despite the failure of Tura Magic to join the top league, Tjiueza had a pleasing campaign with his coach, Tjongarero. The 19-year old midfielder scored 9 goals in 21 games he played out of 22. Tura Magic's failure to win the national first division promotion to book them a ticket to play in the Premier League last season means they are unable to provide Tjiueza the opportunities the Premier League clubs like the Lively Lions or

Pembe can offer him. The team finished one point behind promoted Hotspurs.

Next season will be Tura Magic’s third absence from the first division league. In regarding the talent the club posses, football experts believe it is a team capable of reviving the Namibian football in years to come.

Akan no longer ‘Civilian’ coach Written by Edson Haufiku Informante Thursday, 18 August 2011

The outspoken, Ali Akan, has resigned as coach of the Civics Football Club as of Tuesday this week. Civics’ Management Committee confirmed the resignation of the three-time Namibian Premier League Champion coach, after his contract expired. Civics team manager, Paul Stramis, said; “There is no bad blood between Civics management and Ali Akan, the agreement between the two parties was to contract Akan for a

single season only”. Stramis further pointed out; “Akan had made his decision clear from the beginning of last season, that he would not be available to coach the team during the upcoming 2011/2012 Premier

League season.

Akan, considered by many as the most successful coach in domestic football, joined the Eros based team at the beginning of last season with the hope of reviving the fortunes of the once Mighty Civilians. However, the much travelled Akan only managed to lead Civics to a ninth position in the 12 team Namibian Premier League. When contacted for comment, Akan said he was attending to a family emergency; “I can’t talk right now as a close relative recently passed on”. With the departure of Akan, Civics management brought in Christy Guruseb, formerly with Ramblers football club and last season’s coach of the year in the MTC Premier League. Guruseb was instrumental in leading Ramblers to a 2nd place with a relative new and inexperienced team in the 2010/2011 league. The award-winning coach will be deputized by Jerimi ‘Jerry’ Zimmer, as his assistant.

The director of Civics football club, Helmuth Scharnowski thanked the outgoing Akan for his contribution and wished him the best for the future.

Gilbert Raswoka appointed Blue Waters’ new coach - http://www.informante.web.na

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

The Zimbabwean-born coach Gilbert Raswoka has been appointed as the new coach of Blue Waters football club. Blue Waters team Manager, Sandro de Gouveia, confirmed that Blue Waters have solicited the services of Raswoka, considered the best coach in the country.

Raswoka's appointment came after the resignation of Lucky Shipanga.

The deal was finalised "after lengthy negotiations held with Raswoka,” said the club manager. De Gouveia expressed hope that the 59-year-old former Orlando Pirates coach would take the team to new heights.

Details of Raswoka's contract could not be revealed. His reign as Orlando Pirates coach ended in June after the club voted unanimously not to renew his contract, following a poor season with the Katutura-based outfit.

De Gouveia believes that they have found a real sailor to guide their sinking-prone boat in Raswoka. "He has extensive experience as a football coach and highly educated in the field. I believe he has what it takes to improve the position of our team in the next reason," said de Gouveia.

In an exclusive interview with Informanté, Raswoka outlined his plans to restore the mood and confidence in the team and work to get good results.

"I certainly don't want to put myself under a lot of pressure but I want to challenge the league and get at least one silverware," said Raswoka.

According to de Gouveia, Raswoka is the perfect man for their youth development. "In Raswoka, the club is looking to re-establish its youth structures from which new talent can flow through to the first team", added de Gouveia.

Blue Waters is to arrange pre-season games this month and, as test matches to select players for the first team.

U20s in FESA Tournament - Alleged over-age players in squad - Submitted by Namibia Sport online, 26/08/2011

Namibia’s national Under 20 soccer team left for Angola on Wednesday to participate in a four nations tournament in Cabinda. The tournament, which takes place from August 26 to 28 will see Namibia square off against Congo DR, Congo Brazzaville and host Angola in a mini-league format.

The tournament known as the Eduardo dos Santos Foundation (FESA) youth tournament will be staged to celebrate the 69th birthday of its patron and Angolan president José Eduardo dos Santos.

Most of the players in the Namibia team also form part for the national senior squad that was recently selected to prepare for the AFCON 2012 match against Gambia on 3 September. These players include Willy Stephanus, Larry Horaeb, Alfeus Handura, Petrus Shitembi, Roger Katjiteo, Benson Shilongo, Steven Sabatha and Eslin Kamuhanga. The team departed for Cabinda on August 25 and returns home on 30 August, with those called up for Brave Warriors joining that camp on the same day. Missing from the Under 20 team are striker and captain Sidney Urikhob who is attending trials at Supersport United in South Africa as well as midfielder Neville Tjiueza, who is on trial at German third-tier club Rot-Weiss Essen. Back in the squad is 18 year old defender Edmund Kambanda who missed the trip to Ghana due to school commitments.

Alleged over-age players in squad

Eslin Kamuhanga and Roger Katjiteo were recently the subject of an investigation into age cheating by Namibia Broadcasting Corporation sport producer Lesley Tjiueza. In a report aired on NBC TV on July 26, Tjiueza tracked down the players’ birth dates as they appeared on their school registers at Anna Shipena Secondary School in Windhoek. According to the NFA, Kamuhanga was born in 1992, making him 19 years old, but according to his class register he was born in 1987, making him 24 years old. According to the NFA, Katjiteo was born in 1993, making him 17 years old, but according to his class register he was born in 1989, making him 22 years old.

At the time, NFA secretary general Barry Rukoro said he was not interested in investigating players who were thought to have altered their ages. When approached for comment, NFA spokesman Dan Kamati referred the matter to Rukoro, who did not respond to Namibia Sport’s queries.

Utete accuses WSL of favoritism - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine 29/08/2011

Unam Bokkies head coach; Onward Utete has accused the Women’s Super League (WSL) of biased officiating in favour of Okahandja Beauties and JS Academy. Utete was reacting to comments made by Jackey Gertze on the match Unam Bokkies abandoned on August 23. Unam players walked off the field after one of their players was tackled by a Okahandja Beauties player 16 minutes into the match. Beauties were leading 1-0.

“ Okahandja Beauties were frustrated that they could not score against us and they started to tackle my players and I could not watch as my players were being viciously tackled,” Utete said. “While all this happened the referees did nothing to the Beauties players, the officials instead gave them a penalty which was clearly not a penalty.” “The last straw for us was when Martha Ankambo was badly tackled by a Beauties player (Marian Gaebusi). Instead of a red card the player was only awarded with a yellow card,” he continued.

“Jackey (Gertze) said she was given a red card but we were there, you can ask any of my players who were there, she was given a yellow card. If it had been a red card we would not have complained and walked away – it was very frustrating,” he added. “During the altercation that followed, six or seven of my players were given yellow cards while two of them were given red cards (Ankambo and captain Ester Amukwaya), and that was when we decided to walk away because we couldn’t continue, there was nothing to play for.”

NFA referee Absolom Narib officiated over the match. Gertze had said they would call Utete and Ankambo for a disciplinary hearing over their abandoning the match. “I haven’t heard anything from the league about a disciplinary hearing, nothing has been officially communicated to me,” Utete said. Utete added that Unam would continue to play in the league but called for equal treatment of the teams. “Things have to change, we just want matches to be officiated fairly, the league must be equal and not for some powerful individuals who are overriding the league and dominating everyone,” he said.

“The league is for Beauties and JS Academy, everyone else is just there to play and that is why there is a connection between the referees and the two Jackies (Jackey Gertze and Jacqui Shipanga) who are in charge of the two teams,” he claimed.

Gertze said that the match would have to be replayed before either team could continue with their Round 2 matches in September

Gambian goalkeeper, Toury Pa Dembo in the 15th minute. With the Gambians setting the pace for the remainder of the first half, the Namibians found it hard to penetrate the Gambian defence. The halftime score was 0-0. A rejuvenated Brave Warriors side returned after the break. In the 55th minute, Bester managed to beat Pa Demba but shot the ball just wide. The Namibians then created more chances through Bester, Tangeni Shipahu and Eslin Kamuhanga who was replaced by Heini Isaacs in the 77th minute. Earlier in the second half coach Brian Isaacs had replaced Willy Stephanus with Petrus Shitembi in the 58th minute. Sidney Urikhob substituted Junior Gebhart in the 80th minute. In the 83rd minute, birthday boy, Shipahu got hold of a stray ball on the counter attack, dribbled to the goal and shot the ball past the goalkeeper and into the right corner of the net putting the home side ahead. After the goal, the Gambians started attacking with a sense of urgency through Nyassi Sanna and Mustapha Jarju, but the Namibian defence that was led by captain, Ronald Ketijere managed to contain them until the final whistle.

The result gave Namibia their first points in their last match of the AFCON 2012 qualifier. Burkina Faso lead the group with nine points while Gambia are tied with Namibia on three points.

Otjinene All-Stars players join Premier League clubs - Written by By Elvis Uahatjiri Mbaha - Wednesday, 07 September 2011

Four players of Otjinene All Stars will ply their trade with the MTC Premier League clubs next season as they have completed their move to Black Africa and Sports Klub Windhoek (SKW) football clubs respectively.

Informanté Sports confirmed that SKW were ready to sign Kavenomuua Tjivasera, who was on trial recently with the club.

The Imawida have also signed another Otjinene All Star player, winger Seun Uahupirapi.

The MTC Premier League reigning champions Black Africa, have completed the transfer of Otjinene All Star duo, young midfilder Tjeripo Kandjii and promising left back Charles Hambira for an undisclosed price.

In an exclusive interview with Informanté Sports, Black Africa,s Technical Director Brian Isaacs said Kandjii and Hambira's arrival augurs well for the clubs’ future. “We signed the two players with the future in mind. They are special players and I believe that they are going to bring something special to the team. It is important that we have depth in the squad. In football you never know what might happen tomorrow," said Isaacs.

By time we went to press SKW head coach Lucky Kakuva could not be reached for comment. However, Otjinene All Star team manager, Benjamin Kasuto told Informanté Sports that Tjivasera and Uahupirapi have signed for SKW. All four players came from the same Rural Football Federation that produced Hartman Toromba ( Black Africa), Rudolph Bester (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Veno Namoloh (Eleven Arrows), Johannes Seibeb (Orlando Pirates), Athiel Mbaha (Ramblers), Neville Tjiueza (on trials in Germany), Ronald Ketjijere, Robert Nganjone, Ricardo Tjiuoro and Jamunovandu Ngatjizeko (all African Stars), and Uakotora Mbatera (Tigers).

The Rural Football Federation’s Public Relation Officer Benjamin Kasuto, applauded the federation for great achievements in producing four young footballers for the Premier League.

"This is a major achievement for Rural Football Federations in general and Otjinene Sports Association in particular. We are reaping what we have sown. We spent a lot of resources and energy to groom these players. Finally by God's grace we have met some of our macro objectives, “said Kasuto.

Kasuto has also vented his fury at the Namibian Football Association (NFA) for lack of support to rural sport. “I am discouraged that I do not see any NFA official at our tournaments, but we do invite them. They fail us in this regard. As the mother body they must stand with us in the gap for the benefit of our football development. Nevertheless, I am overwhelmed with joy to see our own products competing at higher level in the country”.

“We hope that our players will stay humble, never forget where their roots lie and keep progressing like they did with the All Stars,” said Kasuto.

As the transfer window deadline is approaching, Informanté Sports found discovered that, Wesbank Tigers signed utility midfielder Uakotora Mbatera from Civics and deadly striker Alfred Ndyenge from SKW. Former Eleven Arrows duo Chris Katjiukua and Freedom Puriza joined African Stars.

First Division team, Friends Football Club’s hard tackling defender Stalin Skrywer and UNAM Football Club dribbling wizard Matthew Kainderera are still on trials with Tigers.

Goal feast expected - by Carlos Kambaekwa 13 September 2011

WINDHOEK – Scoring goals is what football is all about and judging by the approach of many teams in the MTC Premiership this term – football followers are likely to see some spectacular goals this season.

Reigning champions Black Africa did not rest on their laurels and has beefed up their already talent-laden squad with a number of great signings. In comes enterprising speedy winger Lovers Kamuhanga (Ramblers) and former Orlando Pirates midfield genius Klaas Blom.

The Gemengde-based outfit opens the defence of their MTC Premiership title with a tie against hoodoo team Cymot Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) at the latter’s stadium in Windhoek in the only league fixture slated for Sunday.

Africa never had it easy against the uncompromising Germans in previous encounters and can expect little mercy from Lucky Kakuva’s young soldiers. Football logic suggests that Otto Landberg’s outfit will once again be the team to beat this term judging by some clever signings the club has made so far this season.

There is an old saying that a leopard never changes its spots! Wayward midfielder Rudi Louw is at it again. The bird of a passage has for the umpteenth time developed itchy feet and has backtracked to his former team African Stars for his second stint with the country’s best-supported football club.

The pick of the weekend’s action is doubtlessly the eagerly awaited Katutura derby between traditional rivals African Stars and FNB Orlando Pirates at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday.

The Reds are determined to reclaim the title from rivals Black Africa and the arrival of a significant number of high profile new recruits bears testimony to the Reds’ aspirations to wrestle the coveted title away from Africa.

It’s back to the drawing board for last season’s runners-up Ramblers.

The Tunschel Street Boys have been hit by the departure of some of their best performers last term and could find the going tough with a relatively young and inexperienced squad coached by a young mentor in the shape of Dino Ballotti.

Rammies make the short trip to the SKW stadium for a clash against returnees Hotspurs. Civics entertain LHU Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows play host to Mighty Gunners while Wesbank Tigers welcome the league’s new boys United Stars from Rundu.

Landsberg: “Black Africa can defend the title” - Written by By: Elvis Uahatjiri Mbaha - Wednesday, 14 September 2011

The MTC Premier League reigning champion’s Black Africa head coach, Otto Landsberg, is confident that the Lively Lions will continue their good form in the upcoming season which will start tomorrow, and will return the title.

Black Africa won the 2010/2011 MTC Premier League and ended twelve years of league title drought since 1999. The Namibian champions have already strengthened their squad in quest of defending their crown in the 2011/2012 season.

However, the Lively Lions’ chances of defending their title has been dealt with a huge blow as influential play maker, Rudi Louw, left the club to join arch rival African Stars.

Landsberg, who took over as head coach from Ricardo Manneti last season, believes that the squad has enough quality to cope with the loss of Louw.

The soft spoken mentor has full faith in the team’s top quality players and is convinced that they are capable of replacing the dynamic midfielder.

The 42 year-old also believes that Black Africa should not let their standards drop in the upcoming season and must produce results against top sides.

Landsberg has set his sight on winning domestic cups as well in the upcoming season. “We have a good team that did well last season against great rivals like Orlando Pirates and African Stars. If we play as we did last season, we can even win major domestic titles besides the league title,” says Landsberg.

In an exclusive interview with Informanté Sports, team captain Hartman Toromba stated: “I have no doubts that we are still the team to beat. We are Namibian champions and with respect to last season, we have only lost one great player in the form of Rudi Louw.” The former Black Leopards player added that his team has a balanced squad and that they can repeat the capture of the converted league title. The departure of Rudi Louw to African Stars has been off set by the arrival of Klass Bloom from arch rival Orlando Pirates. Tjeripo Kandjii has been brought in from first division outfit Monitronics F.C., and Charles Hambira is probably the most exciting acquisition who was brought in from Otjinene All Stars. For the Lively Lions much will depend on the form of reigning players such as Bradley Wermann, evergreen Mervin Katire, Brian Bantam and goal poacher Jerome Louis, all of whom will again be key figures if the club is to repeat last season’s success.

Other top contenders include Tigers who have recruited former Orlando Pirates Technical Director, Woody Jacobs, as head coach and have made lots of interesting signings as they bid to improve on last season’s sixth place finish. Jacobs secured the services of Edward Asino and Benson Shilongo. Arch rival Orlando Pirates: A significant change this season may well concern the role of the coach, with former Brave Warriors mentor Rusten Mogane taking over from Gilbert Raswoka.

African Stars: Much of the doubt cast upon the Samba Boys by the experts last season was attributed to the lack of depth they had following the departure of influential midfielder Rudi Louw to Black Africa. Chris Katjiukua, Rudi Louw and Freedom Puriza are the key acquisitions.

The Namibian Premier League’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tovey Hoebeb, announced that the 2011/2012 MTC Premier League season will start on Friday, 16 September. Prize money for the League winners remains at N$ 1 million.

African Stars and Orlando Pirates will kick off the new campaign at 19h00 at Windhoek’s Sam Nujoma Stadium. On Saturday, Tigers and Ramblers will clash at the same venue in one of four other matches on day two. But the defending champions as well as Sport Klub Windhoek are not in action until Sunday.

MTC and FNB in branding battle Posted on Thu, 15 Sep, 2011 Local SportAuthor: Corry Ihuhua

NAMIBIA’S prime domestic football sponsor MTC and their longtime foes, First National Bank (FNB), are at each other’s throats on branding rights again. The two companies are battling it out in the boardroom on who should get the biggest slice of the promo on Namibia Premiership team jerseys.

MTC claims they should get preference to print their MTC logo on the front of all the 12 teams in the premiership as they are biggest investors in the game and that they have an agreement with the league in that regard.

FNB argues that they sponsor five teams in the premiership and would prefer their logo to be displayed at the front too. The bank says that if that does not happen, they will pull the plug on the funding they have been providing to the teams for the past two seasons.

MTC’s Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer Tim Ekandjo says: “Entailed in the sponsorship agreement between the two parties, NPL will ensure that its single sponsor MTC receives sufficient mileage for its investment as far as branding is concerned because soccer has gone commercial and a business, and whoever invests, must see returns on its investment.”

Ekandjo says the NPL has given advertising space to MTC as their main sponsor on the premise that MTC is not only the league sponsor, but additionally also the biggest sponsor for all 12 NPL teams in terms of the monthly grant money they receive from MTC.

The grant to each club totaled N$340 000 in the last season and will now total N$400 000 per club this season, considerably bigger than what any individual sponsor gives any of the NPL clubs. Also, Ekandjo argues that MTC has furthermore agreed to incur additional expenses when they sponsor all 12 NPL clubs’ new home and away jerseys in addition to the monthly grant monies.

“All teams will therefore be expected to have the MTC logo on the front of their jerseys this season without any exceptions,” he said.

“Last year, we invested N$10 million in the league and we were happy to have our logo on the back of the jersey. Now that individual club sponsors are asked to take up the same spot for a contribution of less than N$200,000 per club, they complain and call it “detrimental to their sponsorship”, he said.

“If they are genuine about investing in soccer, then they will see it different from what it really is. The bottom line is that the main sponsor who invests N$11 million has to be given preference by the league and should any team not comply, they will have to rely solely on their individual club sponsor’s funds to keep them going as we will not allow anybody to take a free ride on our backs,” warned Ekandjo.

No comment could be obtained from any FNB official at the time of going to press.

Cymot SKW: Noch viel Arbeit vor dem Saisonstart - Vom 2.09.2011

Am 18. September beginnt in Namibia die Fußball-Premier-League 2011/12. Cymot SKW bereitet sich auf die Saison vor und setzt dabei auf junge Spiele. Fünfzig Prozent des Kaders haben die Verantwortlichen ausgetauscht. Der Coach setzt auf Offensive und einen Dreijahresplan.

Das Ziel ist der Klassenerhalt, „aber wenn wir im Mittelfeld landen, sind wir glücklich“, sagt Jochen Traut, der Vorsitzende der Fußballabteilung des Sportklubs Windhoek(SKW)s. In der vergangen Spielzeit hat der Klub noch höhere Ziele. Viel Geld wurde investiert und teure Spieler verpflichtet. Nach dem knappen Liga-Finale stand ein sechster Platz zu Buche, zu wenig, angesichts des teuren Kaders. „ Wir hatten zu viele Söldner“, stellt Traut fest, etablierte Premier-League-Spieler, die viel Gehalt kosteten: „aber wenn es drauf ankam, die Leistung nicht gebracht haben.“ Nun versucht der Klub ein Klub eine Kehrtwende. Die Verträge der teuren Spieler wurden nicht verlängert, der halbe Kader ausgetauscht. Das Heil in der Jugend gesucht. Denn hier hat der Traditionsklub seine Stärke. „Wir haben die Facillitys und ein funktionierende Jugendarbeit“, so Traut, der anmerkt, dass Black Africa oder die Africa Stars, die Top Klubs also, Nichts davon hätten. „Die kaufen Spieler und mieten für wenige Hundert Dollar Trainingsplätze.“ Strukturen: Fehlanzeige. Der SKW versucht nun seine Pfründe in Waagschale zu werfen. Neben dem Premier-League-Klub soll noch in diesem Jahr ein Second-Division-Team installiert werden, das die Lücke zwischen der vom namibischen Fußballverband (NFA ) organisierten U17-League und den „Profis“ schließen soll. Die „Colts“, das Second-Division-Team der Ramblers ist in den Blick der SKW-Verantwortlichen gerückt. „Die Verhandlungen laufen“, so Traut.

Noch ohne die Zwischenstation haben es in diesem Jahr drei SKW-U17-Kicker direkt in den Kader von Trainer Luckey Kakuva geschafft: Mike Siwvula, Charles Wimmerth und Joscin Kamatuka. Die Hälfte des 25-Kaders ist kaum älter als 19. „Wenn Du mit so vielen Unerfahrenen in die Saison geht, hat man immer er Element der Überraschung, so Luckey Kackuva. Der Trainer, der seit zwei Jahren im Amt ist, tut sich schwer eine genaue Prognose für die kommende Saison aufzustellen. „Unsere Erwartungen sind nicht allzu hoch“, so Kakuva. Die Jungs seien unerfahren aber enthusiastisch. Aber, das versichert Kakuva, sei Teil eines Dreijahresplans des Vereins. „In der kommenden Saison wollen wir Erfahrungen sammeln, in der darauf uns etablieren und in zwei Jahren nach Höheren streben“, so Kakuva. Doch bis dahin liegt noch viel Arbeit vor dem Trainer, der seit 2003 im Verein ist – erst als Spieler, dann als Mannschaftskapitän und nun als Trainer: „Die taktische Disziplin ist unser Hauptproblem.“

Peter Schmieder - www.az.com.na

Three NPL teams decide against MTC branding - Submitted by Namibia Sport Magazine on Wed, 21/09/2011

Three teams have so far decided to dump MTC over the branding dispute that started after the mobile giant decided to invoke its right to have its logo on the front centre of the Premiership teams’ jerseys.

Defending champions Black Africa, Orlando Pirates and coastal-based Eleven Arrows have all opted to stick with FNB and forgo the N$40 000 per month grant from MTC.

Pirates’ Andre Gariseb said they were left with no other option when MTC gave them the ultimatum. “They left us with no other option, we are going to stand by FNB who are our club sponsor,” Gariseb said. “It is unfortunate that MTC has taken that stance and put us in this position, we hope they will reconsider – but as things stand at the moment we will stick with our sponsor FNB.” Pirates in their opening league match against African Stars on Friday wore a jersey that had FNB branding on the front of the jersey. “By forcing teams to wear the MTC logo on the front of the jerseys they are taking away our leverage when we approach potential sponsors,’ Gariseb continued. MTC as the biggest sponsor of the Premiership, had demanded that all 12 NPL teams wear jerseys with the MTC logo on the front centre or risk losing their monthly N$40 000 grant at the beginning of the season.

The teams were given until September 19 to decide.

FNB had made it clear to the five teams it sponsors that it would terminate the contracts of the teams that did not wear its logo on the front of their jerseys. Last season, FNB sponsored Black Africa, Orlando Pirates, African Stars, Eleven Arrows and Tigers. Black Africa’s chairman, Cassius Moetie said that his team would keep FNB on the front of their jersey and forgo the grant from MTC. “For us its not an issue about money, it's about playing football. We have an agreement with FNB and we will stick to that – that is not going to change anytime soon,” Moetie said pronouncing his team’s position on the issue.

Gabriel Tjombe, chairman of Eleven Arrows, echoed the same sentiments about why they decided to stick with FNB. “We decided to stick with FNB because of contractual obligations,” he said.

In their match against Pirates last Friday, African Stars were sporting their new jersey with the MTC logo on the front.

Informante: Derby weekend ahead - Written by By Elvis Uahatjiri Mbaha - Wednesday, 28 September 2011

There will be no less than three derbies when the third round of action kickstarts in the top flight of Namibian football tomorrow, when Civics and Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) clash.

Sunday when WesBank Tigers host Katutura rivals, Black Africa. In a game that has the potential to divide friends and households, this clash epitomises the bitter rivalry that exists between the two Katutura based giants. The derby takes place at Windhoek’s Sam Nujoma Stadium. Defending champions Black Africa along with log leaders, African Stars and Tigers, are the three unbeaten teams thus far.

At the coast, Eleven Arrows and LHU Blue Waters will set the ball rolling when they come up against each other at the Kuisebmund Stadium in Walvis Bay. Arrows will go into the fixture on the back of a bad run of form, having lost their opening two games so far this season; recording a loss against Black Africa last week, following their defeat against newcomers Mighty Gunners in their opener. Gilbert Raswoka’s boys have little more to show, having earned two points against Cymot SKW and Civics respectively.

Wounded FNB Orlando Pirates are set to lock horns with Rundu based United Stars on Saturday at the Rundu Sports Stadium.

Lucky Kakuva’s Imawida hosts Ramblers at home in search of their first win of the season. Ramblers will be hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s heart breaking 3-2 defeat to the Mighty Civilians. With loyal fans seeking a morale booster, Ramblers will accept nothing but victory.

The last game of Saturday will be played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, where former champions and current log leaders African Stars take on Mighty Gunners who are still looking for their first victory of the campaign.

TIGERS FIRE JACOBS - Wed, 28 Sep, 2011 Hector Mawonga

IN A very surprising move on Tuesday, Namibian Premier League (NPL) side Tigers relieved Woody Jacobs as their coach for this season.

Tigers have started the 2011/2012 season like a house on fire by recording two consecutive victories in their two opening fixtures and are among the leading teams in the NPL. But that has not stopped the executive of the Shandumbala side to axe the former Civics and Orlando Pirates mentor. Tigers’ Chief Financial Officer, Lukas Manyemba, confirmed the axing but was adamant no rules were broken. “We never announced Woody Jacobs as our coach and we did not have a contract with him; so there was no breach of contract,” Manyemba said. Manyemba further said that the reason they decided on axing Jacobs was that he was not compatible with Tigers’ vision.

“We (Tigers) have had a period of progress and we felt Woody was not the right person to sustain that progress and so we have appointed Tollie van Wyk in his place,” Manyemba said. Jacobs, though, yesterday expressed great shock at the turn of events. “What can I say? I’m shell-shocked and never saw it coming,” Jacobs said. “In the two months I have been in charge we never discussed my shortcomings and I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.” The coach admits that there was no contract signed between him and Tigers but that it was only a matter of time when they would do so.

“We agreed in principle to a two year contract and we were only deadlocked on the issue over my wage demand. But I still believed we would negotiate,” Jacobs continued. Speculation regarding Jacobs’ position already was already rife when the mentor did not take his place on the bench in Tigers’ first league fixture against United Stars. However, those rumours were dispelled after it emerged that Jacobs had only travelled to South Africa as a Student Representative at the institution where he studies. “I told Tigers about the trip and asked for unpaid leave.

“I was on the bench for the game against Mighty Gunners in Otjiwarongo and still can’t understand why nothing was said during this time,” Jacobs said. Meanwhile, one of the Tigers players who refused to be named for fear of victimisation also expressed shock at the announcement. “We were only told on Tuesday before training that Woody has been relieved as coach and that Tollie van Wyk will take over,” he said, “We were all shocked because all the players seemed happy with the coach and I can tell you none of us were glad to hear the announcement.” Jacobs for his part, although not bitter, couldn’t help taking a parting shot at the Tigers executive. “I respect Tigers as a team and wish I could still be part of them as they have a good group of players, but I have lost all respect for the Tigers management.

“I think they could have been more open and done things much better,” he said. In the meantime, action in the NPL is set to continue this evening as Civics host Hotspurs at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20:00.

FNB Legacy team in South Africa - 09-October-2011

WINDHOEK - FNB Namibia Under-17 Legacy girls and boys teams left for South Africa on Tuesday to take part in the Lucas Radebe Football Legacy Festival at the University of Johannesburg’s campus in Soweto, near Johannesburg.

Before their departure, the 44 youngsters and their support staff paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture, Pohamba Shifeta, at the ministry’s head office in Windhoek.

Shifeta bade the teams farewell and wished them all the best with the forthcoming festival, urging them to keep Namibia’s name high and to abide by the rules at all times.

“Although you have been selected from different communities in Namibia, you are now one team, and you will represent Namibia,” advised Shifeta who also accompanied the team to South Africa.

The festival is an African initiative of the First National Bank (FNB) Football Legacy Programme, launched last December to celebrate the legacy of the 2010 Federation of International Football Associations’ (FIFA) World Cup in Africa.

The FNB Legacy Programme ambassadors include football legends such as Lucas Radebe from South Africa, Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) and Lolo Goraseb (Namibia).

The inaugural FNB Lucas Radebe Football Festival kicked off on Monday at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Soweto Campus.

The youth tourney is part of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and partners First National Bank (FNB)’s long-term plan for football development in the country.

As part of developing the players fully, there will also be life skills sessions for the youngsters during the youth tourney.

Kaanjuka ready for Lesotho - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 27/10/2011

With the Brave Warriors hosting Lesotho in a friendly match on Monday night, coach Bernard Kaanjuka is relishing the opportunity to build a strong foundation for his tenure as he looks ahead to the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking to nfa.org.na ahead of the encounter which will take place at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, the acting coach expressed his desire to do well in his first official match in charge at the helm of the senior national team.

“I have worked with youth national teams for some time and now is the time for me to also prove myself at the top level and I’m ready for it. You can only lay a good foundation once you start well and starting well means getting a win against Lesotho”, Kaanjuka said.

The coach revealed that he will be using the match to select players who will feature against Djibouti in the 2014 FIFA World Cup preliminary round first leg match on 11 November in Djibouti City.

“It is a chance for the players to prove to me and the nation that they are the best candidates for the job and they must just deliver” Kaanjuka advised the players.

Last week, the technical team released a squad of 20 players for the match against Lesotho and coach Kaanjuka said the first training session will be on Sunday afternoon at 14h00 at the NFA Technical centre.

The coach also called on the nation to rally behind they team: “The football loving people have to come and see what these guys can do and I promise them it will be a good night because I know the players and I believe and trust them”.

The Brave Warriors squad to report for camp on Sunday morning is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Arnold Subeb (Black Africa), Maximillian Mbaeva, (African Stars).

Defenders:

Steven Sabatha (Tigers), Ananias Gebhardt (Tigers), Da Costa Angula (Black Africa), Chris Katjiukua (African Stars), Willem Mwedihanga (Tigers), Teberius Lombard (Orlando Pirates), Denzil Hoaseb (Black Africa).

Midfielders:

Heinrich Isaacks (Civics), Willy Stephanus (Black Africa), Eslin Kamuhanga (Black Africa), Brian Bantam (Black Africa), Ronald Ketjijere (African Stars), Petrus Shitembi (Rundu Chiefs), Alfeus Handura (Tura Magic).

Strikers:

Sidney Urikhob (Ramblers), Roger Katjiteo (Black Africa) and Benson Shilongo (Tigers).

Brave Warriors leave for Djibouti - Submitted by Helg Schutz on Wed, 9//11/2011

A Brave Warriors squad of 18 players left for Djibouti on Wednesday evening for their World Cup preliminary qualifying match against Djibouti on Friday afternoon.

The original squad of 23 players was trimmed down to 18 with the dropped players being Black Africa goalkeeper Arnold Subeb, Tigers defender Ananias Gebhardt, African Stars midfielder Ronald Ketjijere, Tura Magic midfielder Alfeus Handura and Black Africa striker Roger Katjiteo.

Coach Bernard Kaanjuka has selected a youthful team with the majority of players still Under 23, while most of them are locally based with Namibian clubs.

Five South African-based players joined the team earlier this week, namely Orlando Pirates midfielder Rudolf Bester, Platinum Stars striker Henrico Botes, Amazulu striker Tangeni Shipahu, African Warriors goalie Ephraim Tjihonge and Golden Arrows goalkeeper Virgil Vries.

Lazarus Kaimbi, who plays professionally in Thailand, has also been called up to the squad fo the first time in more than two years.

Namibia will play Djibouti in the first leg in Djibouti City on Friday, November 11, while the return leg is scheduled for Windhoek on Tuesday, November 15.

Kaanjuka meanwhile told Namibia Sport that he was happy with his side’s preparations.

“The preparations have gone well. All the foreigners arrived and we’ll just see what will happen in Djibouti. The foreigners are all experienced players and with the mixture of their experience and the youth I think we can make it. I was also surprised by the fitness level of these boys, they are very fit, especially the foreign players so I’m happy about that,” he said.

Kaanjuka said he did not no much about Djibouti, but was confident his team would do well.

“I don’t know anything about Djibouti, I only know the region. They come from the same region as the Ethiopians and Somalis so that means they must be tall and slender. They are only endurance athletes - they have produced lots of long distance runners but no sprinters, so that is a clear indication that these players don’t have speed. With the speed and strength that we have in our squad I think I can make it in Djibouti,” he said.

He said he had faith in the young players that he had brought into the senior team.

“I have a lot of faith in these young boys, I trust them fully and they trust themselves. We have been playing together for a very long time, we went to Ghana and Germany, we went to South Africa and played in the Cosafa Under 20 championships together. So when it comes to international experience these players have more experience than some of our players in the league,” he said.

Brave Warriors squad:

Goalkeepers: Virgil Vries (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Ephraim Tjihonge (African Warriors, South Africa)

Defenders: Steven Sabatha (Tigers), Da Costa Angula (Black Africa), Willem Mwandihanga (Tigers), Teberius Lombard (Orlando Pirates), Denzil Hoaseb (Black Africa).

Midfielders: Heinrich Isaacks (Civics), Willy Stephanus (Black Africa), Papi Kavezembi (Tura Magic), Brian Bantam (Black Africa), Petrus Shitembi (Rundu Chiefs), Rudolph Bester (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Larry Horaeb (SKW).

Strikers: Sidney Urikhob (Ramblers), Tangeni Shipahu (Amazulu, South Africa), Henrico Botes (Platinum Stars, South Africa), Lazarus Kaimbi (Osotspa, Thailand).

Brave Warriors thrash Djibouti - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 11/11/2011

The Brave Warriors all but secured their place in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers after beating Djibouti 4-0 in Djibouti City on Friday afternoon. Rudolf Bester opened the scoring on 15m, while Lazarus Kaimbi made it 2-0 on 50m. Bester added his second goal on 69m, while Sydney Urikhob scored Namibia’s fourth goal on 84m. With the return leg set to take place in Windhoek on Tuesday evening, November 15, Namibia now look certain of progressing to the World Cup qualifiers.

According to Namibia’s team manager Tim Isaacs, the Brave Warriors took a while to find their feet and adapt to the conditions. Playing in front of about 5 000 fans, Bester gave Namibia the lead when he volleyed home a cross by Henrico Botes after 15m, but for the rest of the first half they were matched by the home side.

Coach Bernard Kaanjuka brought on Lazarus Kaimbi as a second half substitute for Henrico Botes and he soon made his presence felt when he ran onto a Bester pass to score Namibia’s second goal 5m into the second half. Kaimbi and Bester were giving Djibouti’s defence a lot of problems and on 69m Kaimbi returned the favour, when he gave a through pass for Bester to score his second goal. Sydney Urikhob, who replaced Tangeni Shipahu after 69m, scored Namibia’s final goal on 84m when he ran onto a throughball by Willy Stephanus to beat Djibouti’s keeper from close range. It was a great performance by the youthful Namibian team and coach Kaanjuka’s first victory since he took over the coaching duties from Brian Isaacs. According to team manager Tim Isaacs, no one could be singled out since it was a great team performance. “It was an outstanding performance by the whole team. Everyone played their part so it will not be fair to single anyone out,” he said. Isaacs however warned that Djibouti should not be taken lightly in the return leg. “Djibouti have a good team and they played well, although they did not create many scoring chances. They are a team to be reckoned with,” he said.

The return leg will take place at Windhoek Independence Stadium at 20h00 on Tuesday, November 15. According to Isaacs there will not be VIP tickets and all tickets will cost N$30. Tickets can be bought at Shoprite and Checkers and at the NFA Soccer House in Katutura.

Namibia 4 Djibouti 0

Namibia: Rudolf Bester 15min, 69min, Lazarus Kaimbi 50min, Sydney Urikhob 84min.

Namibian team:

Virgil Vries, Steven Sabatha, Willem Mwedihanga, Da Costa Angula, Denzil Haoseb, Larry Horaeb, Bryan Bantam, Heini Isaacks (Willy Stephanus 61m), Rudolf Bester, Tangeni Shipahu (Sydney Urikhob 68m), Henrico Botes (Lazarus Kaimbi 46m).

Young Gladiators beat SA 2-1 - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 03/12/2011

A goal in each half saw the Young Gladiators beat the South African U20 side 2-1 in a friendly match played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday. Namibia’s goals came from Alberta Dawes and Shirley Cloete while Robyn Moodaly scored South Africa’s solitary goal. The first 45 minutes started with the visitors dominating the Namibian side but poor finishing prevented them from taking an early lead. The Young Gladiators struggled to get hold of the ball and had few decent chances in the first half infact the only time they looked like scoring in the early minutes was when defender, Stacy Naris’ clearance almost ended in an own goal, but the header went just wide. In the 40th minute, Dawes connected with a rebound that came off goalkeeper Yalula Tsawe, to score the first goal of the match taking the halftime score to 1-0. The Young Gladiators came back into the second half more confident and were managing to hold on to the ball and make some tackles. The South Africans were also attacking more frequently through Moodaly who made a couple of attempts at goal. Her efforts were rewarded in the 67th minute when she scored a goal after she connected with a cross from Vanessa Hattingh. With the scores equal, both teams continued on the attack with both failing to increase their score because of poor finishing. The home side managed to go ahead when Cloete’s free kick in the 70th went into the back of the net with the goalkeeper well beaten to put the Young Gladiators 2-1 ahead. The South Africans were denied an equaliser when the referee ruled Moodaly’s 77th minute goal as a no goal because she had been offside. The visitors tried for the equaliser but the Namibian defence led by Naris made sure the home side ended the match as the winners.

Stuenkel positive about Namibia’s appeal - Submitted by Helge Schutz, 08/12/2011

Reinhard Stuenkel the German lawyer who is representing the Namibia Football Association is confident that Namibia will win its case against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

CAF on November 24 dismissed Namibia’s appeal against the eligibility of Cameroonian-born Herve Zengue to play for Burkina Faso in two Afcon qualifying matches against Namibia. Stuenkel, who was interviewed by the Namibian daily Algemeine Zeitung, said that he was positive that Namibia would win the case. “I am very positive that we will win the case. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) rejected the appeal solely due to formalities. They did not, however, investigate whether Hervé Zengue was eligible to play for Burkina Faso,” Stuenkel told the Algemeine Zeitung. Stuenkel said he did not have an explanation for CAF’s decision to dismiss Namibia’s appeal against the eligibility of Herve Zengue to play for Burkina Faso.

“Actually I don’t, but I assume that the Appeal Commission did not want to undermine the decision taken by the CAF committee that was first dealing with the case, since CAF president Issa Hayatou was a member of that panel. From a legal point of view, CAF rules are the same as the ones applied by FIFA. If you don`t stick to these rules, there will be only club football in future and no longer national teams,” he said. Stuenkel said he expected that a decision would be made soon. “I expect a decision by the end of this year. Namibia and Burkina Faso have to be informed about the outcome of this case as soon as possible.”