Striker Chilufya to become a Namibian citizen

WINDHOEK – Seasoned Civics striker William Chilufya could be in contention for the Brave Warriors, as he is in the process of applying for Namibian citizenship.

The Zambian-born Chilufya, who has been living in Namibia since 1998, has decided to give up his Zambian nationality and acquire a Namibian passport. The 23-year-old striker said that he has adapted to the Namibian way of life and its football since he first came to Namibia at the age of 15 to play for Katima Wanderers.His parents in Zambia gave him the blessing to change his nationality and he has started the process of acquiring official Namibian documents.If he gets the green light, Chilufya could become the first foreigner to play for Namibia under such circumstances.On what he could do for the Brave Warriors should his application be successful, Chilufya said that for a team to be successful it needs all the players to give their best.Chilufya was the top goal scorer in the Namibia Premier League during the 2001/2002 season with 29 goals when he helped Liverpool win the league and was also the top goal scorer for his team Civics during the 2004/2005 season with 17 goals.Chilufya, or ‘Cosmos’ as he is also known, helped Civics lift the premiership trophy twice in 2004/5 and 2005/6 and the FNB Cup in 2006.He was also voted Player of the Year twice by the Namibia Sport magazine during the 2004/5 and 2005/6 seasons.Chilufya was one of four players who each scored 10 goals during the 2005/2006 season and has thus far scored 9 goals in 17 matches in this current league season.Approached for comment, Namibia Football Association (NFA) Acting Secretary General Barry Rukoro said various members of the public have requested his office to assist Chilufya in becoming a Namibian citizen to enable him to play for the Brave Warriors.He added that Chilufya is still young and can make a contribution to Namibia as a footballer.Said Rukoro: “The NFA cannot doubt his commitment to Namibian soccer, considering the contribution he has made thus far as one of the top strikers in the country.”On his part, national coach Ben Bamfuchile said Chilufya has the potential to become a national team player because of his great scoring abilities.In fact, Bamfuchile said, he qualifies for any national team, be it Zambian or Namibian.NampaThe 23-year-old striker said that he has adapted to the Namibian way of life and its football since he first came to Namibia at the age of 15 to play for Katima Wanderers.His parents in Zambia gave him the blessing to change his nationality and he has started the process of acquiring official Namibian documents.If he gets the green light, Chilufya could become the first foreigner to play for Namibia under such circumstances.On what he could do for the Brave Warriors should his application be successful, Chilufya said that for a team to be successful it needs all the players to give their best.Chilufya was the top goal scorer in the Namibia Premier League during the 2001/2002 season with 29 goals when he helped Liverpool win the league and was also the top goal scorer for his team Civics during the 2004/2005 season with 17 goals.Chilufya, or ‘Cosmos’ as he is also known, helped Civics lift the premiership trophy twice in 2004/5 and 2005/6 and the FNB Cup in 2006.He was also voted Player of the Year twice by the Namibia Sport magazine during the 2004/5 and 2005/6 seasons.Chilufya was one of four players who each scored 10 goals during the 2005/2006 season and has thus far scored 9 goals in 17 matches in this current league season.Approached for comment, Namibia Football Association (NFA) Acting Secretary General Barry Rukoro said various members of the public have requested his office to assist Chilufya in becoming a Namibian citizen to enable him to play for the Brave Warriors.He added that Chilufya is still young and can make a contribution to Namibia as a footballer.Said Rukoro: “The NFA cannot doubt his commitment to Namibian soccer, considering the contribution he has made thus far as one of the top strikers in the country.”On his part, national coach Ben Bamfuchile said Chilufya has the potential to become a national team player because of his great scoring abilities.In fact, Bamfuchile said, he qualifies for any national team, be it Zambian or Namibian.Nampa