At just 22, Namibian winger Vetjevera ‘Vexa’ Katuamba is quietly carving out his own path in Europe.
Born on 22 February 2003, the versatile rightwinger who can operate as right-back and central-midfielder is currently turning heads in Kosovo’s second division, where fans have given him the nickname ‘Grandeeee’, after a community legend at the town he now calls home.
“I play rightwing, right-back and sometimes central-midfield,” he says. “Most people call me ‘Vexa’ or ‘Joy’, but here they call me ‘Grandeeee’.”
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Katuamba’s football journey began in Windhoek, where he grew up playing for Otjomuise FC academy.
His talent was soon spotted, and through a friend, Simon Elago, he joined Tura Magic Academy.
“I’ve played for the Tura Magic Academy second division team, Namib Colts, and trained occasionally with the senior team,” he says.
“I’ve even had a short stint with the senior Tura Magic team before I went to South Africa.”
Katuamba has also received several regional call-ups.
“I got call-ups from the Omaheke regional team, from Scorpion Zink leading up to the Newspaper Cup, but I have never made the final team.”
THE SA CHAPTER
In 2023, Katuamba made a bold move to South Africa (SA), joining Rojo Academy alongside fellow Namibians, including Okeri Nguarambuka. While chasing his football ambitions, he also prioritised his education.
“I enrolled myself in school and completed my Grade 12 in South Africa,” he says.
THE KOSOVO DREAM
His European opportunity came when he was sent for trials at KF Vushtrria in Kosovo’s First Division. However, paperwork issues denied him a contract.
“Things didn’t go well because of paperwork problems,” he recalls.
With the help of close friends, Katuamba managed to sort out his documents, though it was too late for registration at the time. Eventually, he joined KF Vllaznia Pozheran in Kosovo’s second division.
The club initially struggled due to registration bans.
“In my first season we finished just above the relegation zone,” he says.
“The team had some bans and couldn’t sign players.” Once the ban was lifted, reinforcements arrived – and so did results.
“I joined at the beginning of 2024. We were struggling, but now we’ve found our form and we are serious contenders to go to the first division.”
They currently sit third on the table, firmly in the promotion race.
LIFE ABROAD ALONE
Living alone in a foreign country has not been easy.
“Of course it’s hard – language barrier and all – but I’m here for football so I just go with it,” he says.
“I understand the language a little bit and speak a little too. It’s a peaceful country with good-hearted people.”
He has not yet been in contact with fellow Namibians players Uetuuru Kambato and Romeo Kasume, who both play for Liria Prizren FC in Kosovo.
“No, I haven’t been in contact with them, because we stay far from each other,” he confirms.
Katuamba describes the Kosovo league as intense and demanding.
“It’s competitive, fast and very, very physical. It’s more technical. Some teams don’t come with hunger, but others give everything they have.”
While he hasn’t featured in Namibia’s Premiership, he believes the European game holds a technical edge.
“From the games I’ve watched back home, I would say the Kosovo league is more technical.”
As a winger and forward, he studies the game closely. Among the players who influence his style are Thembinkosi Lorch, Peter Shalulile and Bethuel Muzeu.
“I like Thembinkosi Lorch – I analyse his style from time to time. I also analyse Peter Shalulile’s runs and finishing. And Bethuel Muzeu too, because he’s a winger.”
Though his family initially encouraged him to focus more on school, they have become his biggest supporters.
“Growing up they wanted me to focus more on school, but as soon as they realised how much I love this beautiful game, they supported me 110%.”
A SEASON TO REMEMBER
This season, Katuamba is delivering on the pitch. He has scored nine goals in 17 games and provided 13 assists in the first leg of the campaign – impressive numbers for a wide player.
“I score goals often, but I assist more,” he says.
After missing some matches due to injury, he has returned stronger.
“This season I’m fitter and hungrier than ever.”
His standout moment came in a heated derby against Mitrovica.
“It was high-paced and physical – I tore my jersey four times and had to replace it,” he laughs.
“I scored towards the end to make it 1-1. That was my best game.”
But the fairytale had a painful twist.
“A few moments after I scored, I dislocated my shoulder and couldn’t finish the game.”
From the dusty fields of Otjomuise to the cold, demanding pitches of Kosovo, Namibia may soon have another son to proudly celebrate on the international stage.
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