George Gariseb was a legend of not only the African Stars but of Namibian football, the club said.
Gariseb (70) died at Okahandja on Sunday. He was regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from the ‘Garden Town’.
Born and educated at Okahandja, Gariseb played for Spoilers FC before joining African Stars in 1977.
Stars, the reigning Namibia Premier Football League and Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup champions, said Gariseb left an indelible mark on the club and national football through his talent and personality.
“The African Stars family mourns the passing of Mr George Gariseb, a true stalwart of our club. His dedication and passion for the game will never be forgotten,” the club said in a statement.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
A marauding right fullback, Garises was a regular player for the Impala and Currie Cup national teams in the then South West Africa during the 1980s.
“George is a true legend of our club and Namibian football. He was a generational talent and played only for African Stars Football Club in the top tier,” said former African Stars chairperson Patrick Kauta in his tribute to Gariseb on X (Twitter).
Gariseb joined Stars at the same time as Lemmy Narib and Benjamin ‘Tokolo’ Naobeb, in a historic move on and off the football field.
“It was unusual at the time for three talented boys to join a club not related to their cultural backgrounds. Their singular act de-tribalised African Stars and Namibian football. Tokolo went on to become the inaugural NFA president,” Kauta recalled.
“I got to know George in the late 1970s and at a personal level in the late 1990s. He was an avid hunter and a passionate commercial farmer.”
Kauta also said Gariseb was a notable pillar of strength during African Star’s most difficult times.
“He was there in the early 1990s when Oscar Mengo and Albert Tjihero established Liverpool FC and took eight team players from African Stars. Gariseb refused their overture, and was part of the building block and the bedrock of the current success of [club],” Kauta said.
NATIONAL HERO
Veteran sport journalist Carlos Kambaekua joined the chorus of those who remembered the fallen football hero, saying he was “utterly devastated”.
“Coming from the same background, growing up in a multicultural society, we fostered a long-lasting relationship even way after our retirement from playing competitive football. I will always remember you as a man of integrity and strong principles,” Kambaekua said, adding that he hopes the entire Namibian football fraternity gives Gariseb a dignified send-off befitting a national hero.
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