‘Rhuu’ reflects on Indian safari

Former Brave Warriors defender Richard Gariseb says he is enjoying his time playing in India but admits that he misses his family and is considering returning to local football. The defender, nicknamed ‘Rhuu’ after South African legend Lucas Radebe, was speaking from his home in Okahandja where he is currently enjoying a break from playing for Peerless Sport Club, who campaign in what is essentially India’s second division. Reflecting on the environment in India, the defender described the complicated nature of football in the densely populated country. “The country is quite big and so clubs tend to play within regional leagues before taking part in the national one. That makes it very competitive,” he said. Gariseb initially signed for Bhawanipore FC, a club based in Kolkata, in the West Bengal region of India, in 2012 but has since switched sides to Peerless SC. “One of my highlights was playing against fellow Namibian Quinton Jacobs while he was still in India [playing for United Sikkim]. “I have to say I am enjoying my time there even though it is quite something to get used to so many people when you come from a place like Namibia.” After having turned 34 earlier this year, he said he started thinking seriously about his future. “While life in India is good, I have been thinking about spending more time with my son, which obviously is hard to do from India. “So if I get an offer here at home, I’ll consider staying,” he said. Gariseb made his name while playing for the local version of Orlando Pirates. His ability to make timely tackles and his exceptional reading of the game saw his reputation growing. But while not completely ruling out a return to the club, he appears uncertain whether that could be a reality. “I’m a Buccaneer through and through but sometimes you are not really welcome even it is home because the club may be looking to give other people a chance,” he said. “But if they approach me, I’ll consider going back.” The defender, who represented the Brave Warriors from 2001 to 2011, is proud of having had a long career with the national team and lists this as one of the major highlights of his career. “It is not just everyone who plays for the national team and when I look back I think I’ve done well in that aspect. “I would say that I was not even one of the most talented players but through hard work I’ve been able to achieve a lot,” said the defender, who credits current Black Africa coach Brian Isaacs for instilling discipline in him. “While at Pirates, Brian helped me to get discipline by correcting me when I got unnecessary red cards and things like that,” he said. Gariseb first came to the fore while playing for the national Under-20 team. He later secured a contract with South African club Wits University (now Bidvest Wits), which was still competing in that country’s first division.He spent two seasons with the club in 2005-2007, helping the team to promotion and notching up 46 appearances coupled with two goals during that period. The defender is now looking to use some of that experience in his next endeavour when he calls time on his playing career. “While at Wits I saw how a football academy operates and while I’ll still need input from other people, that is something I’d like to establish here in Okahandja,” he said.