THE start of the much-delayed Namibia Premier League (NPL) season will from tomorrow see several local players turning out for different clubs for better compensation, while some simply had to move on after long stints with their former clubs.
The club that made the biggest catch for the new season is APS Eleven Arrows, which in total landed nine players, followed by Hangana Seafood Blue Waters with seven, while African Stars brought in four new players. Arrows possibly signed their biggest name in Jason Petrus, from arch-rivals Blue Waters, who is also a Brave Warrior.Lesley Muatunga and Hafeni Ikela have also decided to join Arrows.In an familiar u-turn in Namibian football, former Brave Warriors striker Nelson Akwenye returned to United Africa Tigers, after he trained and played for Civics in pre-season matches.Akwenye, who also had a short stint with German lower division side FC Germania, said earlier that he had made up his mind to join Civics.His change of heart before the kick-off gives hope to the Donkerhoek side’s front line, which also saw their hot shot striker, Dokkies Schmidt, joining Ramblers.In a shock move, Marathon Sugar Chief Santos striker Warren Neidel joined rivals Legal Shield Orlando Pirates.Neidel, who served Santos with distinction over the years, will be required to sharpen the attacking power of the Buccaneers.Ramblers defensive midfielder and former Brave Warrior, Chris Nauseb, pulled the plug on the Pioneerspark giant killers to go over to Civics, while his teammate Charlie Aoseb left for Arrows.Rammies forward Stanley Kaizemi is expected to be in the starting line-up for Stars this weekend, after he also deserted Ramblers.Richard Biwa will make his comeback to Namibian football after a spell at German lower division side Duisburg during the past season.Biwa, a prolific attacking midfielder who will re-join his side Pirates, suffered a knee injury late last year which subsequently ended his career at the German side.He is believed to have recovered well and will be crucial to add more stability to the attractive football of the black and white outfit.Former Mae Dae Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) player, Mogale Naruseb, also made a comeback to Namibian football.The former Brave Warriors left winger has joined Blue Waters after lying low since he was off-loaded by Sundowns at the end of last season.Meanwhile, the formidable Pirates defender Marc Isaacs made an unceremonious exit from his club and has now joined Civics.Isaacs, who has come through the junior national team ranks, has been skipping training sessions and was ultimately suspended by coach Brian Isaacs.Black Africa’s Duncan Subeb has moved to his third club in three seasons now.He has now joined Ramblers after coming from African Stars before he joined BA.The influential midfielder Ole Khiba has also left Black Africa and will team up with Civics, while Robert Mathias has left BA for the Tigers camp.Veteran striker Kilian Kavari has already turned out for Civics in pre-season matches after his side Liverpool was relegated at the end of last season.Arrows also attracted Stanley Mupeu, Vaino Namholo and goalkeeper Vonk Tjihenuna, who all moved from Otjiwarongo-based Play Safe Life Fighters, while they also got hold of Newcastle United’s Walter Kheiseb.Max Naoseb from Pirates also decided to move to Arrows for the new season.Stars scooped Dico Engelbrecht, Esegiel Tjongarero and Joseph Teek, all from relegated Gobabis outfit Mae Dae Chiefs.Arrows possibly signed their biggest name in Jason Petrus, from arch-rivals Blue Waters, who is also a Brave Warrior.Lesley Muatunga and Hafeni Ikela have also decided to join Arrows.In an familiar u-turn in Namibian football, former Brave Warriors striker Nelson Akwenye returned to United Africa Tigers, after he trained and played for Civics in pre-season matches.Akwenye, who also had a short stint with German lower division side FC Germania, said earlier that he had made up his mind to join Civics.His change of heart before the kick-off gives hope to the Donkerhoek side’s front line, which also saw their hot shot striker, Dokkies Schmidt, joining Ramblers.In a shock move, Marathon Sugar Chief Santos striker Warren Neidel joined rivals Legal Shield Orlando Pirates.Neidel, who served Santos with distinction over the years, will be required to sharpen the attacking power of the Buccaneers.Ramblers defensive midfielder and former Brave Warrior, Chris Nauseb, pulled the plug on the Pioneerspark giant killers to go over to Civics, while his teammate Charlie Aoseb left for Arrows.Rammies forward Stanley Kaizemi is expected to be in the starting line-up for Stars this weekend, after he also deserted Ramblers.Richard Biwa will make his comeback to Namibian football after a spell at German lower division side Duisburg during the past season.Biwa, a prolific attacking midfielder who will re-join his side Pirates, suffered a knee injury late last year which subsequently ended his career at the German side.He is believed to have recovered well and will be crucial to add more stability to the attractive football of the black and white outfit.Former Mae Dae Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) player, Mogale Naruseb, also made a comeback to Namibian football.The former Brave Warriors left winger has joined Blue Waters after lying low since he was off-loaded by Sundowns at the end of last season.Meanwhile, the formidable Pirates defender Marc Isaacs made an unceremonious exit from his club and has now joined Civics.Isaacs, who has come through the junior national team ranks, has been skipping training sessions and was ultimately suspended by coach Brian Isaacs.Black Africa’s Duncan Subeb has moved to his third club in three seasons now.He has now joined Ramblers after coming from African Stars before he joined BA.The influential midfielder Ole Khiba has also left Black Africa and will team up with Civics, while Robert Mathias has left BA for the Tigers camp.Veteran striker Kilian Kavari has already turned out for Civics in pre-season matches after his side Liverpool was relegated at the end of last season.Arrows also attracted Stanley Mupeu, Vaino Namholo and goalkeeper Vonk Tjihenuna, who all moved from Otjiwarongo-based Play Safe Life Fighters, while they also got hold of Newcastle United’s Walter Kheiseb.Max Naoseb from Pirates also decided to move to Arrows for the new season.Stars scooped Dico Engelbrecht, Esegiel Tjongarero and Joseph Teek, all from relegated Gobabis outfit Mae Dae Chiefs.
