Despite challenges faced by the local league and NFA, Namibian football continues to rise, and Chippa United forward Elmo Kambindu has discussed the common traits he sees in his countrymen.
At some point, the Namibian Premiership has been paused for nearly three years due to disputes between the FA and Namibia Premier League.
It only made a return in 2022. However, the challenges such as the lack of venues continued to impact the fixtures of domestic competitions. The Brave Warriors have played some of their home games outside the country due to unfit venues in Namibia.
However, they defied these obstacles, securing appearances at both the 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] tournaments.
The country also continues to export successful talent to foreign leagues. Several Namibian players are making their mark in the DStv Premiership.
These players include Kambindu [Chippa United], Peter Shalulile [Mamelodi Sundowns], Riaan Hanamub [AmaZulu FC], Deon Hotto [Orlando Pirates], Lloydt Kazapua [Chippa United] and Lubeni Haukongo [Cape Town Spurs].
Other Namibians are finding success in the Motsepe Foundation Championship including Edward Maova [University of Pretoria], Ananias Gebhardt [Baroka], Bethuel Muzeu [Black Leopards], and Joslin Kamatuka [Maritzburg United].
The Brave Warriors striker attributes the continued success of Namibian football to the “hard work” ethic Namibians possess.
KAMBINDU ON WHAT MAKES NAMIBIA SUCCESSFUL IN FOOTBALL DESPITE CHALLENGES IN THE COUNTRY
“There’s one thing Namibian players have in common, it’s the hard work,” said Kambindu during the interview with FARPost.
“Most of us, we’re just hard workers. And eventually, if you put in the shift, you will get the results.
“We just work hard, most of the time. We don’t get into the field and relax.
“Yes, we have good players who can play the ball here and there but the main thing is the hard work we put in in our game.”
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