Namibian defender Sisqo Haraseb, currently playing for Iraqi side Al-Qasim FC, says football activities in the country continue as normal despite ongoing regional tensions involving Iran.
The centre-back (24) assures that life in the part of Iraq where he is based remains calm, with the Iraqi league continuing its schedule without disruption.
Iraq has been among the countries affected by attacks linked to Iran, mainly targeting United States (US) military bases and facilities located in the country.
The broader conflict involves the US and Israel against Iran, which has prompted retaliatory attacks against US interests and military facilities in the region.
Iraq, which maintains close ties with both Iran and the US, finds itself once again caught between the two sides. In recent months, the Trump administration has increased pressure on Iraq’s leadership to distance itself politically from Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Despite the political tensions, Haraseb says the situation where he lives and plays football has not been affected. Most towns where the Iraqi Stars League matches are played continue to operate normally.
“We are safe here. Football is going on normally. The war situation hasn’t affected football,” he says.
Reports indicate that most of the attacks have occurred in northern Iraq, near the Iran–Iraq border, where several US military bases and coalition forces are located. This area, known as the Kurdistan region, has faced multiple drone and missile attacks since the conflict escalated, primarily targeting Kurdish opposition groups.
Haraseb’s club is located far from the affected areas. Al-Qasim, in central Iraq, is approximately 550 to 600 kilometres away from northern cities such as Erbil, where some of the attacks have been reported. The distance ensures that football in central Iraq has continued largely unaffected.
Speaking about his adaptation, Haraseb says he has settled well since joining the club and has played regularly since making his debut.
“The league is competitive and well organised, and the infrastructure is really good. The coaches trust me and I have played in every game since my debut,” he says.
Despite Haraseb’s positive start, Al-Qasim FC are struggling in the Iraq Stars League, sitting at the bottom of the table after 20 matches. The team is yet to register a win this season, recording 19 defeats and one draw, leaving them with just one point.
Haraseb joined the Iraqi club on loan from Botswana Premier League side Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC, where he impressed during the first half of the season by playing in every match. His performances earned him a move to Al-Qasim, with the hope of strengthening the defence and helping the team avoid relegation.
In other foreign-based players’ news, the Zimbabwe Premier League officially kicked off this past week. The league is home to nine Namibian players, with several featuring during the opening gameweek.
Simba Bhora, home to four Namibian players, started their campaign with a 1–0 victory over Manica Diamonds FC, thanks to second-half substitute Chris Mukumbira, who scored in stoppage time.
McCartney Nawaseb was the only Namibian who started the match and was included in the squad. Junior Petrus, Kennedy Eib and Alfeus Leevi all missed the opening game and did not feature.
Moors World of Sport began their season with a 0–0 draw against Hunters FC. New Namibian signing David Ndeunyema did not feature in the opening match, as he is among several Namibian players still finalising their work permits.
FC Platinum opened their season with a 2–1 defeat to Ngezi Platinum. Namibian attacking midfielder Mbakondja Tjahikika went straight into the starting lineup wearing the famous number 10 jersey and provided an assist for Platinum’s goal, scored by Jarrison Selemani in the seventh minute. Tjahikika was substituted in the 60th minute.
Reigning Zimbabwe league champions Scottland FC were held to a 0–0 draw against HardRock FC. Namibian midfielder Moses Shidolo played the full match, while Isaskar Gurirab came on as a second-half substitute, making his debut since joining the club from rivals Simba Bhora.
In Malaysia, Petrus Shitembi was on the scoresheet as his team defeated Sabah FC 2–0 in the Malaysian Premier League, moving up to third position on the log table.
In South Africa, two Namibians faced each other in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals. Goalkeeper Edward Maova started for Golden Arrows, while Joslin Kamatuka came on as a second-half substitute for Durban City, although he was later substituted again.
The match ended 1–1, but Durban City advanced to the semi-finals after winning the penalty shootout. Maova managed to save one penalty, but it was not enough to prevent Durban City from progressing.
The Nedbank Cup semi-finalists are Durban City, TS Galaxy, Casric Stars and Milford.
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