Wangu savours international debut

Twenty-year-old midfielder Wangu Gome cannot wait to add to his solitary cap after making his international debut for the Brave Warriors against Congo-Brazzaville on Sunday.

The beaming youngster, who only made the trip to Pointe-Noire following the unavailability of several regulars, said playing for his country ranks as the proudest moment of his burgeoning footballing career.

Although he only played a cameo role during the 3-0 defeat, which culminated in Namibia’s exit from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, Gome’s enthusiasm quickly rubbed off on his teammates as they injected urgency in their play for the last five minutes of the contest. He expects to feature more often in future internationals.

“I want more,” he said after the arduous match played in front of passionate and fervent Congolese supporters at the Complexe Sportif de Pointe-Noire. “I was not scared or nervous. I just wanted to get on and play. They [Congolese] are just players like any other players. I went in there and tried to help my team. I’m very happy and wish I can play for the Brave Warriors for many more years.”

A regular for Namibian premiership side Civics, Gome came to prominence about two years ago as captain of the under-20 national side and also as a key player for the Khomas Region’s The Namibian Newspaper Cup.

The stocky youngster’s consistent displays for Civics have not gone unnoticed by the senior national team selectors, who are keen to incorporate his abundant energy and industry into their set-up.

“I like Wangu. He’s a good player and has heart,” said Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti, who has not shied away from handing inexperienced players game time at international level during his tenure.

“He listens. I put him on [against Congo] because I wanted some urgency in our play and he’s got plenty. I also wanted him to get a taste of what it’s like to compete at this level even though we were losing,” Mannetti said.

The mild-mannered young man from Sauyemwa in Rundu, who could often be seen straddling a bag full of match-balls in Congo, said he was not over-awed by the occasion on Sunday and credits his senior teammates for helping him settle into the side.

“I’m always ready. I’m not intimidated by anyone. It’s football. If the coach says I must play then I will jump in,” said Gome.

“It’s very good to get the experience from the older guys who have many more caps than I. They are welcoming me with open arms and I appreciate that very much. They are like my big brothers,” he added.

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