Pre-independence Namibia has produced top-class defenders, and former Black Africa defence stalwart Mike Awaseb was one of them.
Recruited from Dolam-based Pirates, the towering star initially joined as a midfielder before he was successfully converted into a defender.
“I played as a midfielder for Pirates before I was transformed into a defender by Herman ‘Pele’ Bashcke, who briefly coached Black Africa while back home in Namibia during the South African off-season,” Awaseb says.
“I really owe it to him, because my switch from midfield to defence transformed me into one of the most valuable players for the star-studded and all-conquering Black Africa (BA) team that dominated Namibian football.”
Awaseb may have reached the peak of his talent with the famous black-and-red outfit from Katutura, but the switch cost him his room at his family house.
“It was not a smooth switch from Pirates to BA. My dad was a die-hard supporter of Pirates and gave me an ultimatum that I should either continue with Pirates or leave his house,” he says.
“I refused to return to Pirates and faced the prospect of being sent packing. Things were a little different back in the days,” he says.
Apart from being a stellar defender, Awaseb also had the special gift of scoring the crucial odd goal for the former Namibian champions.
He was a feared presence during free kicks and corner kicks, while he became the penalty taker of the team.
“Us defenders decided among ourselves no one was going to allow a goal to go in from his position. Once you concede a goal and the team loses a goal, you could consider yourself an outcast.
“No one was going to talk to you, because you are the one who made the team lose. But there was a special feeling of togetherness. We always hung out together – even when we weren’t playing,” Awaseb says.
He says his teammates always covered for each other, meaning if one player was out of position, another teammate would willingly slot into that position.
Awaseb played himself into the hearts of his teammates, and the team’s supporters and his excellent displays for BA also attracted the attention of the pre-independence provincial team selectors.
He was also part of the South West Africa side that participated in the Currie Cup tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa.
They enjoyed a very good tournament and even progressed to the final of the tournament where they only fell short against the powerful Border side.
On the domestic front, Awaseb won every title available, including the league, Mainstay Cup, and John Player Special Cup, as well as minor tournaments at Walvis Bay, Otjiwarongo and Windhoek.
He enjoyed a brief spell with Sparta FC, who offered him a job at Walvis Bay before he secured one at Consolidated Diamond Mines, moved to Oranjemund, and returned to BA.
Asked what made BA such a special team during his time, Awaseb says the strong leadership among the players.
“We had players with strong characters and unmatched leadership qualities on the field. They taught us to respect each other as well as our opponents. We trained well, and we had a strong winning mentality,” he says.
Awaseb says football was very competitive during his playing days, adding that the only drawback was that there was no big money to win with cup competitions.
“During our time, people like Five Hochobeb managed Black Africa from his own pocket. We did not lack anything,” he says.
FARM LIFE
Awaseb adopted farming after retiring from football, and has kissed the city life goodbye.
He mentions the late Five Hochobeb and Boetie Louw as the two people who influenced his football career, and says he is still in touch with his former teammates through the BA Legends WhatsApp group.
The legendary defender is advising young football players to be committed to the game and club they represent.
“Today’s players lack commitment, and they’re jumping at the slightest opportunity to join another team if the money is right,” he says.
“We were not paid during our time, but you couldn’t deny our loyalty and commitment towards our club. Today’s players must develop a strong character to compete.”
