Sadney Urikhob: My time in the Indonesian league
Indonesia may not be the obvious destination for a Namibian footballer, but it's the place Sadney Urikhob calls home.
The Namibian-born footballer's drive to succeed has secured him yet another contract at Indonesia's Liga 1 PSMS Medan club.
The striker left for Medan on a free transfer in December but before that had a stint in the Thai league playing for club Sarabui in 2015, Super Power FC 2016/2017 and Police Tero FC as well.
But before that the athletic Namibian was roped in by Namibia Premier League's Orlando Pirates where he began his club career before signing for Ramblers and then later he moved to Civics.
Things started to look up for Urikhob and that's when he planned his move to South Africa Premiership (PSL) club AmaZulu, but the move was unsuccessful, forcing him to return to his former club Civics.
Soon after, prospects of moving to Thailand came in and the Namibian grabbed it with both hands. However, before he received the break to play at club level or abroad, he started like any other young footballer in Namibia, playing in the dusty streets of Windhoek.
“It was a hassle to get me to take a break from football. At home they would force me just to sit down for a meal or to do my homework,” he narrated.
“Football is something which I enjoyed from a young age. If you saw me as a kid, I was always kicking a ball.”
Speaking from Indonesia, Urikhob said the local clubs shaped his career and helped him to become a better footballer and that is a memory he will always cherish.
“I had a great time playing in Namibia. If I have to return one day I would play for one of the clubs as long as they welcome me and are organised,” he said.
But for now he is focused on making a name for himself in the Indonesian league as he has already scored a goal in three matches and assisted three times. He said he enjoys the experience at his new club as he picks up a lot of experience and skills. Skills which he said is also aided by watching European players like Ronaldo and Sergio Aquero play. “I watch their matches and pick one or two things. I then combine what I can use when I play,” he said.
The fast forward said playing in Thailand and Indonesia is very different from Namibia as supporters are crazy about their football. “They are passionate and always make sure to turn up for their clubs. It's very hot indeed but it's something I had to get used to.”
“Playing in Thailand was a great experience. I struggled at first because of the hot weather but with a lot of encouragement and ice baths after each training and match I adapted. The fans were very supportive as they enjoy their football,” he said.
He also spoke about the experience in Indonesia saying that it does not vary that much from Thailand. “The weather is the same. The type of play does not vary that much as well. The game is very tactical and organised and players get to hold the ball more,” he said.
Despite playing club football abroad Urikhob said he would like to be a regular for the Brave Warriors, the national team, where he has 21 caps and six goals.
“I love my country and being called is always a privilege. However it is up to the coach to decide. Till then I will work hard,” he said.
When he is not on the field Urikhob enjoys watching TV and spending time with his family who visit him regularly.
He said that he does not enjoy being out and about but likes to rest his body and watch soccer clips. “I like taking care of my body. When I need to rest I do that,” he said. On top of that he advised Namibian footballers to stay away from harmful substances as it might cut their careers short. “Avoid drinking too much and having multiple partners. You need to take your career seriously. When I was not playing professionally I used to eat anything that came my way. This would include fried chicken and I would drink different sodas even before a match.
“Now I follow a strict diet as I need to take care of what I put into my body. We are always doing medicals here and one has to be in the best shape possible,” he said.
He added that Namibian footballers can go far if they train hard and look out for opportunities coming their way.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
The striker left for Medan on a free transfer in December but before that had a stint in the Thai league playing for club Sarabui in 2015, Super Power FC 2016/2017 and Police Tero FC as well.
But before that the athletic Namibian was roped in by Namibia Premier League's Orlando Pirates where he began his club career before signing for Ramblers and then later he moved to Civics.
Things started to look up for Urikhob and that's when he planned his move to South Africa Premiership (PSL) club AmaZulu, but the move was unsuccessful, forcing him to return to his former club Civics.
Soon after, prospects of moving to Thailand came in and the Namibian grabbed it with both hands. However, before he received the break to play at club level or abroad, he started like any other young footballer in Namibia, playing in the dusty streets of Windhoek.
“It was a hassle to get me to take a break from football. At home they would force me just to sit down for a meal or to do my homework,” he narrated.
“Football is something which I enjoyed from a young age. If you saw me as a kid, I was always kicking a ball.”
Speaking from Indonesia, Urikhob said the local clubs shaped his career and helped him to become a better footballer and that is a memory he will always cherish.
“I had a great time playing in Namibia. If I have to return one day I would play for one of the clubs as long as they welcome me and are organised,” he said.
But for now he is focused on making a name for himself in the Indonesian league as he has already scored a goal in three matches and assisted three times. He said he enjoys the experience at his new club as he picks up a lot of experience and skills. Skills which he said is also aided by watching European players like Ronaldo and Sergio Aquero play. “I watch their matches and pick one or two things. I then combine what I can use when I play,” he said.
The fast forward said playing in Thailand and Indonesia is very different from Namibia as supporters are crazy about their football. “They are passionate and always make sure to turn up for their clubs. It's very hot indeed but it's something I had to get used to.”
“Playing in Thailand was a great experience. I struggled at first because of the hot weather but with a lot of encouragement and ice baths after each training and match I adapted. The fans were very supportive as they enjoy their football,” he said.
He also spoke about the experience in Indonesia saying that it does not vary that much from Thailand. “The weather is the same. The type of play does not vary that much as well. The game is very tactical and organised and players get to hold the ball more,” he said.
Despite playing club football abroad Urikhob said he would like to be a regular for the Brave Warriors, the national team, where he has 21 caps and six goals.
“I love my country and being called is always a privilege. However it is up to the coach to decide. Till then I will work hard,” he said.
When he is not on the field Urikhob enjoys watching TV and spending time with his family who visit him regularly.
He said that he does not enjoy being out and about but likes to rest his body and watch soccer clips. “I like taking care of my body. When I need to rest I do that,” he said. On top of that he advised Namibian footballers to stay away from harmful substances as it might cut their careers short. “Avoid drinking too much and having multiple partners. You need to take your career seriously. When I was not playing professionally I used to eat anything that came my way. This would include fried chicken and I would drink different sodas even before a match.
“Now I follow a strict diet as I need to take care of what I put into my body. We are always doing medicals here and one has to be in the best shape possible,” he said.
He added that Namibian footballers can go far if they train hard and look out for opportunities coming their way.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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