TREKKING MOST VALUABLE NAMIBIAN FOOTBALLERS ACROSS THE WORLD

With the world’s top leagues, from Africa to Europe, about to return to action this August, several Namibian footballers have been mentioned in the mix of transfers, either significant money moves or just being eyed because of their stellar performances with the national team or their respective clubs.

Amid Messi’s Miami mania, the Middle East scramble in what will be a transfer season for the books, Osoka looks at some of the Namibian players whose names have been mentioned for European export or just for attraction within the region.

Of course, the mother of all revelations was South African coach Pitso Mosimane reportedly asking his new club, United Arab Emirates giants Al Wahda, to go after Namibian hotshot Peter Shalulile.

Though Shalulile hasn’t played under Mosimane before, he has been the best player in South Africa for the past three seasons and has broken into the South African Hall of Fame for scoring over 100 goals, a feat for the select few. The 30-year-old Namibian has been a toast in the PSL and is primarily credited for Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance, scoring 75 goals for the club in only 118 games since joining in 2020. His performance has been a blockbuster for Sundowns, with 22 goals in his first season, 30 in his second and 23 in his third.

Mosimane, who usually gets what he wants, is said to have requested to sign the Sundowns duo, according to UAE Sports News. Of course, it won’t be easy, as his current deal runs until June 2025. Shalulile is currently on a N$50m price tag, and for the Arabs, that is pocket money if they decide to appease Mosimane and buy out the Namibian in a figure, which may likely be close to N$100m. Besides Al Ahly, another Middle East club, Pyramids, has contacted the player’s handlers in South Africa. A Saudi second-tier club is also keen on Shalulile but has been pressing on the transfer fee first.

Another player also likely on the move this holiday is Deon Hotto Kavendji. Orlando Pirates are yet to exercise the one-year extension option for the 32-year-old while there is rumour of his former coach Gavin Hunt plotting a reunion at Supersport United. Hotto’s contract ended this June, and Pirates can trigger a one-year extension this August.

While coach Jose Riveiro has expressed confidence in Hotto’s exceptional work rate, the Namibian’s current offer and the club having secured the services of Patrick Maswanganyi from Supersport may determine the player’s future. Pirates are yet to comment on Hotto’s future.

In Botswana, Namibian players are retaining their places. Marcel Papama and Wendell Rudath at Jwaneng Galaxy are safe, while Ivan Kamberipa and Aubrey Omseb are on two-year deals for Masitaoka FC. Kennedy Amutenya is at home with Gaborone United FC and had a stellar season. There are great expectations of Namibian players settling quickly in Botswana than across the Orange River, although South Africa offers lucrative deals.

Meanwhile, at home, champions African Stars FC are preparing for their Champions League showing and have made significant deals to fortress the Katutura side.

Amongst them are Dennis Tjizumaue, who arrives from Township Rollers FC (Botswana), Nigerian frontman Hammed Oyeniyi from Bariga Professional FC (Nigeria), Joseph Lungu a defender from Red Arrows FC (Zambia), plus a host of local league players, Angelo Kuezi, poached from Eleven Arrows, Calvin Spiegel from Blue Waters FC, and Vaitavera Tjatindi from Citizens.

Much travelled former Brave Warriors hotshot Tangeni Shipahu (36) is a free agent. He just left Tigers FC and will announce his future soon. Could this be the end of his time in Thailand? I guess time will tell.