STORIE LORRIE
The hottest news in Namibian football, around players, coaches, teams and possible transfers.
Former defender Robert Gurirab has been appointed as Kunene Region’s U/20 coach to lead the side at The Namibian Newspaper Cup, and beyond. He takes over the role previously held by former Civics and Ramblers coach, Christy Guruseb. Gurirab, who is popularly known as Robba, was a standout defender whilst playing for the likes of Citizens, Civics and Mighty Gunners, amongst others. His appointment is the latest of a sign that more former footballers are now getting the opportunity to be a part of the game they served as players. In a message posted on social media, Gurirab thanked the Kunene Football League’s executive members for choosing him for the task. “We have to build and reinforce our region with greater [emphasis] on hard work and dedication, which will lead to success.”
CBS Talents, the brain child of Collin Benjamin, is making great strides in chasing their dream of giving some of the finest talent Namibia has 200 intensive training sessions. The academy is essentially targeting players who have shown the most potential in their respective positions, with each player challenged to continue improving in an environment similar to what happens at most high-level academies. CBS Talents, therefore, pays for all costs related to having players in their set-up to ensure that the youngsters understand the work they have to put in to become successful footballers. The academy follows a global trend that has seen France, for example, introducing 13 elite academies located around the country, with only the best players training under the supervision of the French Football Federation.
Manfred Starke has been plucking away at FSV Zwickau, where he has made 29 appearances this season, scoring two goals and making three assists thus far. The Namibian plays in the 3. Liga of German football but with the lack of match action for most Namibian players at club level, he can be a valuable asset for the Brave Warriors, in light of the coming qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which get underway later this month. Starke has not featured much for the Brave Warriors over the last few years. His last appearance in national team colours was on 28 March 2021 when he played 60 minutes in a 2-1 win over Guinea in a qualifier match for the 2021 Afcon, which was staged this year in Cameroon.
Former professional footballer Johannes ‘Dumisa’ Jantze, who played football in Germany and Angola, emerged as one of the top performers after attending a coaching course for youth coaches certified by the Namibia Football Association (NFA). Jantze formed part of 35 other youth coaches who attended the four-day course which was conducted by Fifa coach Wilson Mutekede, NFA instructor Collin Benjamin and NFA acting technical director, Jacqueline Shipanga. The former midfielder scored the third highest, with only Ashley Olyn and Keenen Markgraaff scoring more than him. The coaching course also saw Jane Toivo, who was the only female in the group, certified. Jantze is currently attached to Mariental Sports Club, where he was previously listed as an assistant coach.
In another sign that regional football teams are serious about this year’s The Namibian Newspaper Cup, which is tentatively set for the Oshana region in August, Erongo has announced those who will be responsible for their U/20 side. The announced coaching staff consists of four individuals with John Paku set to be the head coach, while former Werder Bremen (team from Germany’s Bundesliga) player Razundara Tjikuzu, who is involved in a football project in Henties Bay, will be the assistant coach. Ashley Olyn, who recently finished top in a youth coaching course held by the NFA, will be the fitness coach. The goalkeeper coaching responsibilities will be handled by Luther Humphries.
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender and Namibian legend Mohammed Ouseb is at the forefront of the establishment of the Chief Santos Football Academy. ‘Slice’, as the strong-tackling and ultra-smart defender is known, has previously held the reigns of several clubs, where he has attempted to venture into full-time coaching. It appears, though, that his hometown club is where he is set to make his biggest contribution yet, with the former central defender looking snazzy in his new role. The Chief Santos Football Academy has the slogan of “[The] Future belongs to the youth, especially those that better prepare for it.” As for its mission statement, it lists “Ensuring talent is nurtured and groomed effectively” as its main focus point.