Don't forget Bimbo Tjihero
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
WINDHOEK
In the dying minutes of a Cosafa Cup qualifying round match between Namibia and South Africa in January 1998, stalwart defender Bimbo Tjihero scored one of the most iconic free kicks in Namibian football history.
Bafana Bafana, as the neighbouring team is affectionally known, were leading 2-1 at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, with locals praying to the football gods for a miracle.
It took a stunning effort from a man who had played most his career for Liverpool FC in Okahandja to bring the scores level before Berlin Auchumeb snatched a winner to send the crowd into wild celebrations.
It was Tjihero's long-range free kick which became the talk of the town even years after he had sealed Brave Warriors' incredible comeback.
Eyes and mouth wide open, Tjihero sprinted down the field after his magical goal as the stadium erupted into cheers.
Memorable moment
“Scoring that goal was one of the best, if not the best thing in my football career.
“It was extra special because I had scored it against our bitter rivals and neighbours, with whom we have shared a common history.
“It was an emotional moment I will never forget in my entire life,” said the former footballer, who played over 30 caps for the national team.
Homegrown talent
Born on 1 December 1969, Tjihero remains one of the rare talents who has never plied his trade for a club outside Namibia.
He began his career at African Stars from 1987 to 1990, before joining Liverpool FC in 1990. There he remained until his retirement in 2000.
Being part of arguably Namibia's most talented squad, Tjihero attracted interest from clubs in Egypt and South Africa.
“Zamalek FC of Egypt and Hellenic FC from South Africa were keen on signing me but I chose to stay in Namibia because they only offered me one-year contracts.
“I was already in my late 20s and had to consider doing other things rather than spending just a few years outside the country.
“To be honest, they came at a time I was approaching the end of my career because I was 28 years old at the time. I chose to stay.”
Biggest disappointment
Tjihero's biggest setback, which he said still haunts him to this day, is when he and his teammates were all dismissed from the national team following a trip from Angola. “That moment teared me apart and I still feel the pain when our entire team was dismantled because of issues I hate to talk about.”
Change of pace
Currently the head of sales at NBC, Tjihero has been with the national broadcaster for 20 years.
“I am still involved in football at Okahandja United where we encourage youth and football development. “The only worry I have at the moment is the lack of development structures in football,” he said.
WINDHOEK
In the dying minutes of a Cosafa Cup qualifying round match between Namibia and South Africa in January 1998, stalwart defender Bimbo Tjihero scored one of the most iconic free kicks in Namibian football history.
Bafana Bafana, as the neighbouring team is affectionally known, were leading 2-1 at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, with locals praying to the football gods for a miracle.
It took a stunning effort from a man who had played most his career for Liverpool FC in Okahandja to bring the scores level before Berlin Auchumeb snatched a winner to send the crowd into wild celebrations.
It was Tjihero's long-range free kick which became the talk of the town even years after he had sealed Brave Warriors' incredible comeback.
Eyes and mouth wide open, Tjihero sprinted down the field after his magical goal as the stadium erupted into cheers.
Memorable moment
“Scoring that goal was one of the best, if not the best thing in my football career.
“It was extra special because I had scored it against our bitter rivals and neighbours, with whom we have shared a common history.
“It was an emotional moment I will never forget in my entire life,” said the former footballer, who played over 30 caps for the national team.
Homegrown talent
Born on 1 December 1969, Tjihero remains one of the rare talents who has never plied his trade for a club outside Namibia.
He began his career at African Stars from 1987 to 1990, before joining Liverpool FC in 1990. There he remained until his retirement in 2000.
Being part of arguably Namibia's most talented squad, Tjihero attracted interest from clubs in Egypt and South Africa.
“Zamalek FC of Egypt and Hellenic FC from South Africa were keen on signing me but I chose to stay in Namibia because they only offered me one-year contracts.
“I was already in my late 20s and had to consider doing other things rather than spending just a few years outside the country.
“To be honest, they came at a time I was approaching the end of my career because I was 28 years old at the time. I chose to stay.”
Biggest disappointment
Tjihero's biggest setback, which he said still haunts him to this day, is when he and his teammates were all dismissed from the national team following a trip from Angola. “That moment teared me apart and I still feel the pain when our entire team was dismantled because of issues I hate to talk about.”
Change of pace
Currently the head of sales at NBC, Tjihero has been with the national broadcaster for 20 years.
“I am still involved in football at Okahandja United where we encourage youth and football development. “The only worry I have at the moment is the lack of development structures in football,” he said.
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