David Eddy Haosemab was a sportsman through and through. On the track, he was unstoppable. He dominated the long jump from junior to senior level, holding a regional record at one stage.
He was equally formidable in the high jump and triple jump, making him one of the most versatile athletes of his era.
Haosemab was also a key member of the Rössing Athletics Club, which ruled local athletics in the years before Namibia’s independence.
On the football pitch, Haosemab terrorised defenders from the left wing in the colours of Khorixas-based Robbers Chanties FC.
He did it alongside his brothers, twins Peter and Paul Haosemab.
That talent runs in the family. Their father, late evangelist David Haosemab, played on both wings for Atlanta Chiefs at Swakopmund, passing the football gene down to his sons.
Born at Aranos, young Haosemab was raised between Swakopmund and Okahandja before he attended Cornelius Goreseb High School at Khorixas.
“It was during my time at Goreseb where I started taking my athletics and football careers seriously. It was easy to strike a balance because athletics was mostly done during the first term of the year.
“I was also a very dominant force in the sprints as well during my primary school years. My football journey first started in midfield, before I was permanently switched to the wings.”
He was initially played in midfield because he was two-footed, but his coach at Robbers moved him to the left wing because of his speed.
Haosemab collected medals in the under-15, under-17 and under-19 age groups.
“I was the boy to beat in the long jump, while I made my presence felt in the triple jump and the high jump as well. My speed secured me a place on the school’s relay team with much aplomb,” he says.
“I won the victor ludorum trophy in every age group I competed in. I became one of the top athletes during the Damaraland Amateur Atletiek Sports Vereeniging events and was a regular at the South West Africa Amateur Athletics Association championships.”
In 1989 Haosemab was recruited by Rössing Uranium Limited to join their athletics club and compete against top athletes from other mines during Inter-Mines Athletics Championships.
He won the jumping events every time and also collected relay medals as part of a strong team that included world indoor 200m champion Frank Fredericks, Lucky Gawanab and his Robbers teammate, Patrick ’16V’ Basson.
Haosemab, who is a one time Africa Zone 6 record holder in the long jump, has represented numerous events such as the All-Africa Games in Egypt.
“The competition out there was not a joke. We are competing against full-time athletes. And you could not question their level of commitment,” he says.
“We are going to train straight from work while the top athletes from other countries train twice or even thrice per day. Our environment is just not conducive to groom world class athletes.”
He says his best ever performance was the silver medal he clinched in the long jump during a meet in Germiston, South Africa.
Haosemab says he wants to be remembered as a disciplined and committed athlete.
“I was focused 120% on both my athletics and football. I worked very hard to reach the level I was on,” he says.
“You have to give it your all during training. If your coach told you what to do, do it while he is not present. Compete against yourself. Always train better than before.”
Haosemab says he played his best football for Robber when he played alongside his two brothers.
“I enjoyed it most when we all played at the same time. With Peter playing centre forward and Paul supplying the balls from the midfield, everything worked perfect,” he says.
“My sporting regret is that Namibia’s independence came very late. I wish it could have come during the earlier part of my playing days.”
The retired star is married and has two children.
He has been employed in the OK franchise division at the head office for the past nine years and is responsible for the information and technology network.
“Every job comes with its own challenges. Mine the travelling I had to do. I am in charge of the northern regions so it means travelling to places like Rundu, Katima Mulilo,” he notes.
He is responsible for ensuring that OK Franchise stores comply with the law.
He says he is happy with his sporting achievements.
He says his former teacher at Goreseb, Zadrag Taurob, had a huge influence on his career, while Harry Garus-oab also encouraged him to believe in his ability.
Haosemab mentions late Chief Santos defence hardman Chrissy Amakali one of his most difficult opponents.
He believes that his height attributed largely to his excellent performances, especially in the long jump events.
He retired from athletics because of age but remains active in football.
“I coach a team of young boys who are campaigning in the fourth division whenever I get time and I play for the Okahandja Masters,” he says.
“We don’t have a league yet because there aren’t many retired players in this town. We are only mostly only participating in over-40s football tournaments. “
“I really had a very fulfilling track and football career. I really miss the track and the pitch. The training kept me fit and young. Being fit is the thing I miss the most,” Haosemab says.
The former striker advises young players and athletes, saying: “When it comes to sport, do what you love. Stay disciplined and train hard also on your own. That counts for both footballers and athletes.”
“It is that little extra effort that you put in that makes you the star that you become.”
