Haraseb secures loan move to Iraq

Namibian centre-back Sisqo Haraseb has taken a major step in his professional football career, securing a transfer to Iraqi Stars League side Al-Qassim FC on a loan deal from FNB Botswana Premier League club Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC.

The defender (25) has impressed since arriving at Mochudi Centre Chiefs in Botswana, featuring in every league match during the first half of the season without missing a single game. His consistency and commanding presence at the back quickly attracted international interest, particularly from Asian and South African clubs.

Nicknamed the ‘Great Wall of Kalkfeld’, Haraseb rose to prominence during the 2024/2025 Namibia Premier League season with Mighty Gunners FC, where he established himself as one of the league’s most reliable centre-backs.

His strong domestic form did not go unnoticed, earning him a national team call-up in March 2025 from Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin, a moment that paved the way for his international breakthrough.

Haraseb went on to make his senior national team debut at the 2025 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Cup, featuring in the 1–1 draw against Angola. He delivered assured performances throughout the tournament and capped his campaign by scoring against Lesotho, further enhancing his growing reputation.

His standout Cosafa displays attracted interest from several clubs locally, including African Stars and FC Ongos, as well as teams across the continent.

He was initially invited for trials by Durban City in South Africa’s Betway Premiership through the FSAG Agency, which represented him at the time, before eventually securing a move to Botswana through his representative, Dokkies Schmidt – a pathway that has now led him to Iraq.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Namibian, Haraseb expressed excitement about the latest chapter in his career.

“I am really happy and excited about the new challenge in Iraq. Obviously it won’t be easy, but I am a professional who adapts very fast,” he said.

Reflecting on his short time at Mochudi Centre Chiefs, the defender highlighted how quickly he settled into the squad.

“When I joined Mochudi Centre Chiefs, I gelled in very fast. The team was welcoming and I played all the league games. The technical team helped me a lot and trusted me from the moment I arrived,” he added.

Haraseb explained that the move to Asia came through close coordination with his new agent, who had been monitoring his progress during national team duties.

“The Asian move happened together with my new agent, who scouted me during my national team games and we kept in contact ever since. He later told me that Al-Qassim FC were interested in a loan move, and discussions with the club followed, which they agreed to and everything went smoothly,” he said.

Beyond the sporting challenge, the move also presents a significant financial opportunity for the player and his family.

“It is also a big financial opportunity for me and my family for the few months I will be there. The offer is really lucrative and will help me a lot,” Haraseb revealed.

While acknowledging the difficulty of being far from home, he emphasised the importance of family support.

“Going far away from family is never easy, but staying in contact is what matters. They motivate me, keep me going and help me stay disciplined and work even harder to support them.”

The defender added that he is eager to make an immediate impact, with Al-Qassim currently battling to avoid relegation.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase my qualities and help the team improve defensively so they can start winning games. I’m really excited to prove that they didn’t make a mistake trusting me to help them during this difficult relegation phase,” he said.

Haraseb used the moment to encourage young Namibian footballers aspiring to play abroad.

“What I can tell the young ones is to stay disciplined, listen to your coaches and stay away from bad influences. If you do that, you will go far and your hard work will be recognised,” he said.

The transfer move to Al-Qassim FC marks another milestone in Haraseb’s steady rise and further highlights the growing presence of Namibian footballers on the international stage. He follows a growing list of more than 40 Namibian footballers playing their trade abroad.

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