Goraseb talks about football

FORMER Brave Warriors midfielder and Black Africa captain Lolo Goraseb has urged football administrators, business and political leaders to make a difference and give hope to aspiring young footballers.

Goraseb said there were thousands of Namibians who only needed hope to positively change their lives. He spoke at the annual awards ceremony of the Namibia Football Association in Windhoek.Goraseb, who led Black Africa to five consecutive cup victories over two seasons, said it was because of the hope that he received from his grandmother and other guardians that he had reached his goals in life.He said football was not only about entertainment, but had become a way of life.”The socio-economic impact and opportunities football presents are enormous and the game, filled with passion, has unified nations, communities and people from different backgrounds and beliefs.For some it is a religion that gives people hope for a better life,” he said.He said football administrators and club owners tended to deny football players and other people the basic right to earn a living.”We as players sacrifice our families and time in search for a better life, but you expect us to perform like professionals under abnormal and shocking conditions.I hope the recent NFA Congress will bring solutions to our problems and see to it that the Brave Warriors qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and benefit economically,” he said.He added that the interest of the nation could not be dictated by the interest of a few individuals.”We can simply not sit back and allow a coach to take the blame when the image and pride of our entire nation is being destroyed.Just like the Cosafa match against Botswana this year.We must identify and get rid of those corrupt and destructive people in our football fraternity,” he said.The awards ceremony was attended by former Namibian Prime Minister Hage Geingob, top football officials, players and other invited guests.The awards honoured Namibian footballers, administrators, teams and the media for their achievements and contributions to the development of the game.He spoke at the annual awards ceremony of the Namibia Football Association in Windhoek.Goraseb, who led Black Africa to five consecutive cup victories over two seasons, said it was because of the hope that he received from his grandmother and other guardians that he had reached his goals in life.He said football was not only about entertainment, but had become a way of life.”The socio-economic impact and opportunities football presents are enormous and the game, filled with passion, has unified nations, communities and people from different backgrounds and beliefs.For some it is a religion that gives people hope for a better life,” he said.He said football administrators and club owners tended to deny football players and other people the basic right to earn a living.”We as players sacrifice our families and time in search for a better life, but you expect us to perform like professionals under abnormal and shocking conditions.I hope the recent NFA Congress will bring solutions to our problems and see to it that the Brave Warriors qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and benefit economically,” he said.He added that the interest of the nation could not be dictated by the interest of a few individuals.”We can simply not sit back and allow a coach to take the blame when the image and pride of our entire nation is being destroyed.Just like the Cosafa match against Botswana this year.We must identify and get rid of those corrupt and destructive people in our football fraternity,” he said.The awards ceremony was attended by former Namibian Prime Minister Hage Geingob, top football officials, players and other invited guests.The awards honoured Namibian footballers, administrators, teams and the media for their achievements and contributions to the development of the game.