The Leisure Corner with Lazarus 'Gazza' Shimi

Leisure corner: There are not many footballers masquerading as musicians but that is what you get when you get up close to this famous kwaito artist. Passionate about the game and considerably knowledgeable when it comes to technical issues surrounding football, it is easy to confuse him for a pundit in the mould of English commentator Peter Drury. It is no wonder he can often be found at football pitches, ready for a kickabout and a great workout. This week’s personality is renowned in Africa as a world class artist, but The PlayMaker found that he will always remain a football fanatic, who is at his best ‘Mokasie’.

What moment made you fall in love with football?

My older brothers introduced me to football. To see how they were glorified in the neighbourhood inspired me to want to play football.

Who is your favourite local football team and why?

I like a few teams because I have some connections to them. Oshakati City, Ramblers, Tigers, Civics and Eleven Arrows. I don’t have a favourite because our football is constantly interrupted by football politicians and it is huge a turn-off. I’m not sure if they have football development at heart and there is no empathy towards players. That makes it difficult to identify a favourite team.

How good are you at playing PlayStation, out of 10?

Please ask Naka aka Black Sheep. He thinks he is a 10 but I am five steps ahead of him, so I am 15 out of 10... hahaha

What is your most liked playing formation? Please explain.

I like 4-4-2, it’s basic and safe. I like two strikers and the formation will also help me to defend when needed. I like a balanced approach, not an all-out attack and not too defensive as I don’t like defensive football. It takes the entertainment aspect away.

What went through your head when Namibia lifted the Cosafa Cup in 2015?

It was a very proud moment. With every game we won my belief kept growing. The Cosafa Cup showed us what we can achieve as a small nation. We should try and do away with personal agendas then we will achieve even more. I feel we could have built on that, but we dropped the ball and now we have to start from scratch again. As GMP we are totally against social media bullying. These boys try their best and they always play for the flag. Let’s be more patriotic as this will improve things.

If you could trade places with a Namibian player, who would it be and why?

There are so many players but from the past it would be Quinton Jacobs. He was so gifted but didn’t use his football capacity to the fullest. Currently I will go with Awillo. He is a natural but doesn’t take his game to the next level. He can do so much more, he has unbelievable talent. Maybe this has to do with the fact that the entire system is not serious about football, so maybe they are not to be blamed. If I was gifted like that I would spend my entire life around football. From the morning to the evening. Like me and music - I sleep, dream and eat music.

What irritates you about coaches?

Favouritism, nepotism and plagiarism. We should stop copying and create our own style that players feel comfortable with. Stop employing people you know while there are better and more capable people out there. Select the best players, don’t select a player because he will feel bad if you don’t call him up.

What is a major turn-off in the local game?

The lack of flair, and this comes from the management of teams. Improvement in this area will filter down to the players and eventually the fans, which will in turn get more fans into stadiums.

Will Namibia qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

It’s not about whether they will or can, it’s more about my wanting them to qualify. They should use Mboma and Masilingi as their inspiration. I really pray that we do qualify.

What is the most memorable Namibian football match you have ever watched?

When Namibia beat Bafana Bafana. I painted my whole body in the Namibian colours. I still remember Eliphas Shivute running them to a pulp. I remember Philemon Masinga sweating and struggling. And who can forget Bimbo’s free kick? I have a lot of South African friends and I always brag about that memorable game! That game made us all believe that we can achieve great things in African football.

Who is your favourite person to watch football with?

I love watching football alone because I’m very loud and active when watching Liverpool and Brave Warriors. But there are a few friends that always insist on watching football with me. Patchino, Skepsel, Penda and Naka always disturb my peace wanting Liverpool to lose. The only exception is Naka, he is also a Liverpool fan.

As a Liverpool fan, who is your favourite Manchester player and why?

I don’t like Manchester United, especially their fans who constantly shout “Come Manchester, come on Manchester!” Now they are just focusing on the old horse, Ronaldo. The fans act as if they are in a cult, they lack proper football reasoning. But I will choose Paul Pogba because I feel he has all the abilities to change any game. Unfortunately their coach limits him too much.

Awillo Stephanus or Lazarus Kaimbi?

Awillo and Kaimbi are both my friends and this makes it difficult to choose one. Awillo is very tricky and can give you a killer pass, while Kaimbi is the one that’s full force and uses his strength to grind out a result, so I will choose both.

Which Namibian song would make a befitting Brave Warriors anthem?

There’s no song yet, not even my own song ‘Kick It.’ I have been working on it for the past four years, a song that befits all sports codes. Hopefully I will come up with a song real soon.