Namibia Soccer News

FLAMES DEMOLISH THE STARS

Hotflames hammered African Stars by four goals to one in a Namib Premier League second round match at Khomasdal stadium on Sunday.

Flames enjoyed maximum possession and restricted Stars to their own half for the better part of the first stanza.

HotFlames striker, Tjono Jagger opened the flood gates after he outran Stars' shaky defence and slotted the ball home after 39 minutes.

There was instant jubilation in the Flames camp after the goal. Stars players could not break the defence marshalled by the nononsense Flames defender, Bobby Kaapama as the rookie side defended as if their lives depended only on this premier league encounter.

Stars, however, came close to scoring on certain occasions but the final touch let them down. Flames midfielder, Freedom Puriza scored a brace when his wellcalculated corner kicks found Stars goalkeeper flatfooted, much to the chagrin of their coach, Smithley Engelbrecht.

Puriza's first goal came in the 43rd minute and the second one two minutes later. The half time score was three goals to zero in favour of Hotflames. In the second half, Stars took the game to Flames, but were again let down by poor finishing as all their attempts were cleared.

Lady Luck turned her back on Stars Geoffrey Roman when his 14yards shot was rescued by Flames goalie, Lee Tjivikua in the 51st minute. Giovanni Awaseb completed the job for Flames after dribbling past three Stars defenders to drill home his side's fourth goal in the 53rd minute. Stars midfielder,Dennis Kahivere scored a consolation goal for his side in the dying minutes of the game.

Referee, Temba Nghitaunapo dismissed Stars crafty midfielder, Jason Andreas in the first 15 minutes for dissent.

In another premier league fixture played at the same stadium, United Africa Tigers defeated Bee Bob Brothers by three goals to two. Tigers were leading by three goals to zero in the first stanza. Ace Komeya opened his account in the first few minutes of the match while Dumisa Jantze's sent in a blistering shot from 13 yards out to give Tigers a two goals to nil lead. Nelson Akwenye scored Tigers third goal. However, Bee Bob Brothers refused to be intimidated by Tigers and came back strongly in the second half to net two goals via the boot of David Gariseb.

Meanwhile, in matches played on Saturday, Civics beat Orlando Pirates by three goals to two, while Young Ones played to a twoall draw with Ramblers. Hangana Seafood Blue Waters crushed Black Africa by four goals to one at Kuisebmund stadium in Walvis Bay, while Liverpool scored a solitary goal as they beat Life Fighters at Okahandja Park.

Marathon Chief Santos edged out Oshakati City by four goals to nil at Tsumeb.

The match between Touch & Go and United Stars which was scheduled for Sunday afternoon, was called off as a result of heavy thundershowers in Otavi. It will be replayed on a date that is to be decided by the Namibia Premier League officials.

Goalkeeper/s:

Danzyl Bruwer - Avondale Athletic, SA. Made his debut in a friendly against Lesotho which Namibia lost 1-2 in Maseru on November 1 1997. Since given a chance against Zimbabwe in a Cosafa Castle Cup away match April last year, has improved dramatically and never looked back. Was man of the match in a few matches with good saves including a recent penalty taken by Morocco's famous Mustapha Hadji. Good performances rewarded with a contract at Avondale.

Defenders:

Mohamed Ouseb - Lyn Oslo, Norway. One of Namibia's best products Slice, as he is popularly known among teammates, left Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa for greener pastures in the icy Norway. His ultimate goal is to play in the English Premier League. Voted among the best players in Noray last year.

Rodney Doeseb - Tigers, Nam. A Mlungisi Ngubane finding. The school teacher by profession started for the first time against Angola in a 1-1 Cosafa Cup draw on May 30 1998 and has since been a permanent member of the team. A hard tackling key defender.

Michael Pienaar- Ramblers. The towering former under 23 player has all the makes of a future star. Best on the flank where he can cover and attack very well. Recently came back from a short stint with Fortune FC in SA.

George Hummel - Hellenic, SA. A hardtackling defender who has formed a good combination at the heart of the defence with Ouseb. Had trials in Germany but failed to find a team.

Midfielders:

Collin Benjamin - Hamburg, Germany. Another Mlungisi Ngubane finding. The former U-23 captain has not only established himself in the senior team with dazzling runs down the right flank but was snatched by German Bundesliga side Hamburg. Registered as a amateur but already a regular in the senior team with three vital goals so far.

Ricardo Mannetti - Santos, SA. Made his debut in 1992 as a 17 year old. Very skillful and one of the stars of the team. Lost his place for a year due to lack of match practice because of his dispute with Santos. Recalled by former coach Ted Dumitru after some good performances for Avondale Athletic, which also led to Santos recalling him from the loan spell with them. Came back with a bang against Egypt.

Johannes Congo Hindjou - Black Leopards, SA. A good ball distributor and a good asset for the SA Permier League newcomers. Still hoping for a contract in Europe.

Sylvester Goraseb - Black Africa, Nam. Very popular and hardworking midfielder who unfortunately had to forego an early career in Germany due to studies. The veteran of the team with 9 goals to his credit.

Robert Nauseb - Hellenic, SA. "Baggio" is undoubtedly one of Namibia's most exciting players and a trouble-some right winger whose talents were first spotted by SA's Kaizer Chiefs before he joined Hellenic when his contract expired. Failed to get a contract in Norway but still is hoping for a move to Europe.

Quinton Jacobs - On loan to SA's Black Leopards from MSV Duisberg in Germany. Nicknamed "Magic" the young lad has proven to be a tough competitor. Rejected offers from Ajax, Anderlecht and Fenerbahce to sign with Scottish Second Division side Partick Thistle in Scotland before moving to Duisberg. Now hoping for a deal in Spain once the loan term expires.

Mogale Naruseb - Sundowns, SA. A utility player whom Dumitru discovered "in the middle of nowhere" and used on the left wing or as a striker. Joined the Brazilians together with Dumitru.

Elifas Shivute - Shenzhen, China. The speedy winger is the player to watch in the Namibian camp. Though he is well aware of his status in the team, the former Motherwell striker will never let it go to his head and he still remains the very humble and down-to-earth young man who once gave up soccer and became a diamond miner.

Razundara Tjikuzu - Werder Bremen, Germany. Though still a junior, Rassie is one of the most experienced players in the team and a freekick specialist. Scored Namibia's first hattrick ever in a match against Seychelles in 2000 and continue to bang in goals against the likes of Egypt. 

Strikers:

Augustinus Mukoya - Chief Santos, Nam. Scored in only his second match for the Brave Warriors against Zambia in 2000 but have since failed to find the net.

Ruben van Wyk - Free State Stars, SA. Recently snatched up by Stars and has already scored several vital goals for them.

Gerros UriKhob - Chief Santos, Nam. Recalled by new coach Rusten Mogane after Dumitru ignored him. Has rewarded him with a brace in his first match against Botswana and also plays at the right flank.

Coach:

Rusten Mogane

Made history by taking the team to Burkina Faso for the 1998 Sfrican Nations Cup finals.

Assistant Coach:

Seth Boois

Only coach to get an away draw against Zambia.

Namibia's top scorers by Dec 2001:

Gervatius Uri-Khob 12

Eliphas Shivute 10

Sylvester Goraseb 9

Johannes Hindjou 8

Ruben van Wyk 8

Razundara Tjikuzu 7

Robert Nauseb 6