WALVIS Bay-born former Blue Waters and Brave Warriors midfield star Anthony ‘Tennie’ van Wyk used to make magic with his feet when in possession of the soccer ball.
Van Wyk started kicking the ball around on the gravel streets of Tamariskia settlement at Swakopmund.
He formed the Refugees football team with friends from his neighbourhood, which competed in the Coastal Second Division where they played against Blue Boys and Celtic among others.
“I come from a very sporty family. My dad is a former footballer with the now-disbanded Narraville outfit Pelicans at Walvis Bay,” he says.
Known as a great motivator on the football pitch, Van Wyk was spotted by Blue Waters talent scouts during the annual Christmas Cup at Swakopmund in 1995, and it only took him two full seasons in the top flight before he received his national team call-up.
The former stylish midfielder, who was also renowned for his free-scoring nature, was part of the all-conquering Blue Waters side that fielded a powerful midfield with players like captain Sandro ‘Jingles’ de Gouveia, Ephraim ‘Doda’ Shozi, Elia Nghipunjua, and Theodore Tom.
The ‘Beautiful Birds’, as Blue Waters are also known, have been spitting fire at the time and the towering former star enjoyed two Namibia Premier League and one NFA Cup success with exciting Kuisebmond outfit.
The exciting former playmaker, who also hit a memorable hat-trick for Blue Waters when they destroyed Orlando Pirates 6-1 during a first-round Metlife Namibia Super Cup tie at the Khomasdal Stadium in 1997, also capped another hat-trick against Liverpool.
“I have scored many goals during my stint with Blue Waters, whom I have presented very proudly because I loved and enjoyed playing for that team. We had a very exciting team, and we always challenged for honours during my stay there.
“My most memorable match in a Blue Waters shirt was definitely against high-flying Liverpool, who were also one of the teams to beat back in the days. I netted a fantastic hat-trick, but I left the match bruised because Bimbo Tjihero really roughed me up thoroughly that day,” he says.
Van Wyk says his dribbling and passing skills were complemented by his passion for the game.
He also had a short stint with Young Ones in Windhoek in 2000 after Harold von Luttichau, who took over the control of the club, offered players employment opportunities if they played for the Khomasdal outfit.
His excellent performances in the Blue Waters engine room didn’t go unnoticed, as he was invited for trials at former South African Premier Soccer League giants Hellenic in 1998.
However, what was supposed to be a seven-day trial period only lasted for three days in Cape Town after he was called up for national team duty.
“I probably missed out on an opportunity to play professional football in South Africa, but I could not turn down the opportunity to play for my country.
“Needless to say, my tenure with the national team was not as successful as I wished it to be. I made my debut away to Swaziland in an African Cup of Nations qualifier. Then I was only called up for another four times again, with the last time playing against Botswana,” Van Wyk says.
WORK, FAMILY
Van Wyk is married to wife Chrizelle, and the couple has one child.
He also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Van Wyk has his own company, called Kateg Engineering, which is contracted by Rössing Uranium Mine.
“We have been contracted to do maintenance work at the mine,” he says.
“We supply qualified artisans for the eight workshops at the mine. The company has grown rapidly since we first received our contract three years ago.
“Apart from supplying artisans we are also responsible for the maintenance of safety at the mine.”
Van Wyk says the Covid-19 pandemic has come with a lot of challenges for his company.
He says many colleagues fell ill and had to be replaced promptly, adding that Rössing Uranium Mine is passionate about the safety of its workers.
Van Wyk says his father, who hardly missed a match he has played, had the biggest influence on his career, while former Chief Santos genius Mohammed ‘Slice’ Ouseb and Civics maestro Ricardo ‘Bucksy’ Mannetti were his toughest opponents.
Van Wyk’s advice to today’s footballers is: “Without self-belief you can’t flourish. And stay away from negative influences. Dangerous substances like drugs are killing our children.
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