Stephanus’ dream debut in Saudi Arabia

Namibian forward Awillo Stephanus had a dream league debut in the Saudi Arabian Second Division, playing a key role in Hetten FC’s 2-0 victory over Arar FC on Saturday.

The former African Stars attacker, who joined the club last month, assisted both goals, and has made a bright start to life in the Middle East, settling in well and showing quality as he quickly adapts to his new surroundings.

Speaking to The Namibian, Stephanus reflects on his promising debut and the experience of adjusting to football and life in Saudi Arabia.

“I can’t really say much about the first game because I think some teams might still be looking for that perfect combination,” he says.

“But as for me and my team, we had a proper pre-season in Egypt that helped us a lot. Honestly, I would say I adapted quite well ever since arriving here in Saudi. I’ve started almost every single match since I came, and that’s helping me a lot confidence-wise at this stage,” he adds.

The 34-year-old former Debmarine Premiership golden boot winner, known for his creativity, has already shown signs of becoming important in Hetten’s attacking set-up, having played all their matches since the pre-season for his new team.

When asked about adapting to a new culture, overcoming the language barrier, and adjusting to a different football environment, Stephanus admits that it hasn’t been entirely easy, but it’s nothing unfamiliar to him. Having previously plied his trade in Thailand and Finland, the Namibian forward says those experiences prepared him well for life in Saudi Arabia, teaching him how to adapt on and off the pitch.

Hetten FC’s encouraging start to the campaign comes after a strong pre-season in Egypt. For Stephanus, the focus now remains on maintaining consistency and continuing to build confidence as the season progresses.

“The main thing is to keep improving every game,” he says. “We’re working hard to make sure the team stays consistent, and personally, I just want to contribute as much as I can with assists, goals, and hard work.”

MISSION FULFILLED – HOTTO

In South Africa, meanwhile, Deon Hotto’s Orlando Pirates progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carling Black Label Cup 2025 after beating Siwelele FC 1-0.

Hotto, after their qualification for the quarter-finals, said: “To be honest, we haven’t really done well in this cup for the past two seasons. It was a very tactical game, as you can see. When Coach Seema came, he brought Narkovic up top, so we knew they were going to play long balls, and we were going to play from the second balls. But we managed to deal with the first and the second balls, and for us, the most important thing is that we are through to the quarter-finals – that was the mission.”

“They did their homework very well because they closed our outside, so we had to go through the middle, and it was a bit difficult. That’s why even the goal we scored had to come from a centre back,” he adds.

Peter Shalulile and Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Marumo Gallants, losing 7-6 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time. Shalulile came on in the 83rd minute and successfully converted his penalty, but Sundowns were eliminated from the Carling Black Label Cup 2025 in the round of 16.

AmaZulu captain Riaan Hanamub was left heartbroken after they conceded a goal in the dying minutes of extra time, losing 3-2 against Magesi FC. With the game tied at 2-2, Magesi struck in the 93rd minute, eliminating AmaZulu from the Carling Black Label Cup competition.

Joslin Kamatuka’s Durban City continue their fairytale start to life in the South African top flight after advancing to the Carling Black Label Cup quarter-finals by defeating Polokwane City FC 4-1 in the round of 16. The Namibian international was subbed in the second half, with the game being won in extra time after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Their centre back, Fezile Gcaba, scored a hat-trick and walked away with the N$100 000 man of the match cheque. They will now face Richards Bay in the quarter-finals.

Prins Tjiueza remains sidelined with a knee injury and is currently in stage two of rehabilitation, as Cape Town lost 1-0 to newly promoted Leicesterford City, leaving them 15th with only three points and winless after six games in the Nationwide First Division.

Three Namibian internationals were on the team sheets as Highbury FC defeated Black Leopards 1-0 in the NFD Championship. Ngero Katua of Highbury started on the bench, Bethuel Muzeu of Black Leopards was in the starting lineup, and Loydt Kazapua finally made his long-awaited debut after being registered following the club’s battle with a Fifa ban.

He started on the bench for Black Leopards, with fellow Namibian goalkeeper Ndisiro Kamaijanda still sidelined and missing the game. Black Leopards remain winless after five games and sit at the bottom of the league with two points. Meanwhile, Highbury FC is enjoying a strong start, currently sitting third on the log table with 12 points after six games, just three points behind the leaders.

Ananias Gebhardt’s Baroka FC lost 2-0 to high-flying and first-placed Milford FC. Baroka are now 12th on the log with four points after six games.

In Malaysia, Petrus Shitembi’s Kuching City continued their good form with a 1-0 victory over Sabah FC, extending their unbeaten run to five league matches and four consecutive wins. The Namibian midfielder played the full game as his team moved up to fourth on the table with 13 points from six matches.

Romeo Kasume’s Liria Prizren were held to a goalless draw by 14th-placed Prizreni FC in the Kosovo First Division. The Namibian midfielder played the full game, while his compatriot Uetuuru Kambato remains sidelined. They moved up one place to seventh on the log with 16 points after 10 games, five points behind the leaders.

Kennedy Amutenya’s Jeddah FC suffered their third consecutive loss after a 2-0 defeat to Al-Anwar in the Saudi Arabian First Division. The Namibian defender played the full game as his team dropped from fourth to ninth after four matches played.

Ryan Nyambe was an unused substitute as Derby County drew 1-1 against Southampton in the English Championship. The team sits in 20th position with eight points after nine games, just two places above the relegation zone.

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