Potential players, but no deals yet
Panduleni Nekundi, Petrus Shitembi, Charles Hambira and Riaan !Hanamub are among the talented Namibian footballers still seeking lucrative deals with foreign clubs.
Namibian players who recently returned from Chan 2018, where they put up a brilliant display, are now gearing to take part in the Namibian Premier League (NPL).
These four players are among many trying to break out of the domestic league, where they play for local clubs African Stars, Tura Magic and Orlando Pirates, as they seek international stardom in professional football, which has become a multibillion-dollar industry.
These players join football academies or clubs, hoping to get exposure and eventually play in the South African premier league or any lucrative league in Africa.
However, out of the thousands of football hopefuls, only a tiny fraction gets a chance to play professionally.
In that fortunate group, only a few make it to clubs topping their respective leagues.
Players' thoughts
Nekundi, who plays for African Stars and who is topping the log with goals, says Namibian clubs are not developing players well enough because they are not at the professional level.
“You have to be a standout player locally and in order to catch the eye of scouts when playing for the national team,” he says.
According to him, it takes more than just the club to push players out of the country. The entire league has to be more attractive in order for scouts and outside teams to even look your way.
Asked if players are allowed to see agents themselves, he says he believes there should be provision for that.
“Each club has their own way of dealing with transfers of players, but what is paramount is communication between the club and the player. Most players are firstly approached by an agent; it is then the responsibility of the player to inform the club that he or she has ambition of moving abroad.”
The Stars forward says he was in communication with someone before Chan but is currently focused on the league with his club.
“Depending on how well I do, anything can happen. But I'm not moving during this window,” he said.
Another player who has showed incredible skill on the ball for a couple of years is Shitembi, who plays for Stars as well. Shitembi argues that the league alone cannot help players to secure contracts abroad.
“Our league does not broadcast or market the league well. Agents always ask for clips whenever they approach a player to see how he or she performs. It is difficult when that is not available,” he says.
He says most players who secure international contracts are scouted through the national team and not their clubs.
The trickster adds that he received calls before and after Chan from various clubs showing interest in his skills. “It's now up to me to assess what is best for me personally and to take it from there.”
Soft-spoken !Hanamub, who plays for Pirates locally, says he performed above par for the national team in Chan.
“I did my best but I also do not think the clubs do much to push us out of the country to get the needed experience. At the moment I have not received any calls from interested clubs, maybe they are communicating with my agent so I have to wait and see,” he says.
Despite agreeing that local clubs are not doing enough, Charles Hambira, who has been giving strikers a tough time in defence, says he is always talking to his manager about developments regarding his football career. “My club is on the lookout for opportunities for me,” he says.
From the expert
Collin April, a local agent, explains that agents work for players, not the clubs.
“Agents manage the players and their welfare, which includes signing fees, flight tickets and player salaries. Clubs come in when there is an interest from another club and then they agree on a transfer fee.”
He believes that clubs are sometimes selfish in letting players go as they only think about winning the domestic league.
He advises players to think about their future and to decide what is best for them in the long run.
April also believes the market value of players should be looked at.
“A player playing locally can be of much worth playing outside the country,” he says.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
These four players are among many trying to break out of the domestic league, where they play for local clubs African Stars, Tura Magic and Orlando Pirates, as they seek international stardom in professional football, which has become a multibillion-dollar industry.
These players join football academies or clubs, hoping to get exposure and eventually play in the South African premier league or any lucrative league in Africa.
However, out of the thousands of football hopefuls, only a tiny fraction gets a chance to play professionally.
In that fortunate group, only a few make it to clubs topping their respective leagues.
Players' thoughts
Nekundi, who plays for African Stars and who is topping the log with goals, says Namibian clubs are not developing players well enough because they are not at the professional level.
“You have to be a standout player locally and in order to catch the eye of scouts when playing for the national team,” he says.
According to him, it takes more than just the club to push players out of the country. The entire league has to be more attractive in order for scouts and outside teams to even look your way.
Asked if players are allowed to see agents themselves, he says he believes there should be provision for that.
“Each club has their own way of dealing with transfers of players, but what is paramount is communication between the club and the player. Most players are firstly approached by an agent; it is then the responsibility of the player to inform the club that he or she has ambition of moving abroad.”
The Stars forward says he was in communication with someone before Chan but is currently focused on the league with his club.
“Depending on how well I do, anything can happen. But I'm not moving during this window,” he said.
Another player who has showed incredible skill on the ball for a couple of years is Shitembi, who plays for Stars as well. Shitembi argues that the league alone cannot help players to secure contracts abroad.
“Our league does not broadcast or market the league well. Agents always ask for clips whenever they approach a player to see how he or she performs. It is difficult when that is not available,” he says.
He says most players who secure international contracts are scouted through the national team and not their clubs.
The trickster adds that he received calls before and after Chan from various clubs showing interest in his skills. “It's now up to me to assess what is best for me personally and to take it from there.”
Soft-spoken !Hanamub, who plays for Pirates locally, says he performed above par for the national team in Chan.
“I did my best but I also do not think the clubs do much to push us out of the country to get the needed experience. At the moment I have not received any calls from interested clubs, maybe they are communicating with my agent so I have to wait and see,” he says.
Despite agreeing that local clubs are not doing enough, Charles Hambira, who has been giving strikers a tough time in defence, says he is always talking to his manager about developments regarding his football career. “My club is on the lookout for opportunities for me,” he says.
From the expert
Collin April, a local agent, explains that agents work for players, not the clubs.
“Agents manage the players and their welfare, which includes signing fees, flight tickets and player salaries. Clubs come in when there is an interest from another club and then they agree on a transfer fee.”
He believes that clubs are sometimes selfish in letting players go as they only think about winning the domestic league.
He advises players to think about their future and to decide what is best for them in the long run.
April also believes the market value of players should be looked at.
“A player playing locally can be of much worth playing outside the country,” he says.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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