Money talks: Namibian players choosing Zimbabwe 

The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League has become the new destination for Namibian footballers, largely due to its lucrative offers. A total of eight Namibian players secured moves to Zimbabwean clubs during the recently concluded 2025/26 transfer window.

Last season, the Zimbabwean top flight featured only three Namibian players: Moses Shidolo, who joined Scotland FC from Botswana side Matebele; Isaskar Gurirab, who signed for Simba Bhora FC from Blue Waters FC; and Sadney Urikhob, who was on loan at Yadah FC from Scottland FC.

The sudden influx of Namibian players into the Zimbabwean market is largely attributed to the impressive performances of these three players. Their success has built trust in Namibian talent among Zimbabwean clubs.

Shidolo says Zimbabwean teams are now more aware of Namibian talent, with scouts and agents frequently asking him to recommend players who fit specific profiles.

“Sometimes they ask me about Namibian players they have heard about, and I give my view on them. Other times, they ask me to refer players so they can assess them. Agents and scouts work closely with clubs and know exactly what type of players they are looking for. Some of them were crucial in my move to Zimbabwe, so I am still in contact with them and assist in identifying Namibian talent,” he says.

Financially, Zimbabwean clubs reportedly pay an average salary of around US$1 500 (approximately N$24 750) per month. In addition, players benefit from winning bonuses and signing-on fees.

This represents a significant improvement compared to the average salary in Namibia, which typically starts from around N$2 000 per month.

However, salaries differ from team to team, depending on financial stability. Some players have revealed that the highest-paid player at one of the top clubs earns around N$9 000, while at other clubs no player earns more than N$5 000.

In comparison, Botswana clubs reportedly offer salaries starting from around N$15 000, even at some of the smaller teams in the league. One player has revealed that he earns N$20 000 per month in Botswana.

“Obviously here we get paid more. When I was home, I was earning N$3 500 and one of the top teams wanted to sign me and offered me N$8 000, but I had to turn it down because I received better offers in Botswana. The team here provides accommodation and everything, and I am on N$20 000 per month. They also pay for my transport to visit home,” he says.

Urikhob, who now plays for Kwekwe United in the Zimbabwe First Division, states in an interview with Kick-Off Magazine that he earns more in Zimbabwe than he did in South Africa while playing for AmaZulu FC, as well as during his time in Namibia.

“What I have been getting here in Zimbabwe has been slightly better than what I got at AmaZulu,” he says.

Urikhob adds that many people initially questioned his decision to move to Zimbabwe, but attitudes changed once they realised the financial benefits.

“Even in Namibia, people were asking why I came here, but now more Namibian players are joining after me. People can be opinionated, but you can earn good money here. I always tell my friends that your money is not always in your own country – sometimes you have to travel. The money I have earned here is more than 20 times what I ever earned in Namibia. It is the truth.”

There are 11 Namibian players competing in Zimbabwe.

Simba Bhora FC were particularly active in the market, signing four Namibians: 28-year-old centre-back Kennedy Eib from Bucks Buccaneers, 25-year-old attacking midfielder Alfeus Leevi from Blue Waters FC, 28-year-old striker McCartney Nawaseb from Rundu Chiefs FC, and 25-year-old striker Junior Petrus, also from Blue Waters FC.

Chicken Inn signed two Namibian defenders from the University of Namibia FC: 25-year-old left-back Tyrese Hikupembe and 23-year-old centre-back Alex Mumbango. Moors World of Sport FC, who finished second in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League last season, signed 23-year-old striker David Ndeunyema from Blue Waters FC, while FC Platinum secured the services of 25-year-old Mbakondja Tjahikika from African Stars FC.

Some players have also revealed that Botswana offers competitive packages – significantly better than what most Namibian clubs provide. However, Zimbabwean clubs offer slightly higher salaries overall, which explains the growing movement of Namibian players to Zimbabwe.

Botswana used to be the primary destination for Namibian footballers. However, during the most recent transfer window, only one Namibian player, Obrey Amseb, completed a move to Gaborone United FC. This brings the total number of Namibians in Botswana to seven – a decline compared to 10 players in the 2025 season and 12 in 2024.

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