Benjamin signs for the ‘Lions’

MUNICH – Namibian captain Collin Benjamin has joined TSV 1860 München from Hamburger SV on a free transfer, German Bundesliga official website reported yesterday.

The 32-year-old has agreed a deal that runs until June 30, 2012 to play for the ‘Lions’, with the option to extend for a further year. Coach Rainer Maurer is expecting great things from the versatile player.’Colin can play in various positions. He’s got great character and he’s amassed plenty of experience during his career in both the Bundesliga and at international level. He’s a real leader,’ Maurer is quoted as saying onbundesliga.de .Benjamin himself is reportedly looking forward to the new challenge.’The ‘Lions’ have got the chance of a new start and being able to help in that process is very exciting,’ he said. The Namibian national team captain (39 caps, two goals) first joined Hamburg in 2001, going on to make 146 Bundesliga appearances (13 goals), as well as 41 appearances (nine goals) for the reserves.Fittingly, Benjamin was born on 3 August 1978 – star sign Leo – in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. He began his football journey with homeland club Civics FC in 1996 until 1999 before moving to Germany aged 21. Spells with non-league sides Germania Schnelsen and Rasensport Elmshorn preceded his professional breakthrough at HSV.