Farewell to Robbie

Namibia's greatest sport lover Robbie Savage was laid to rest in Windhoek at the Gammams Cemetery on Saturday. Robbie Savage died in the early morning hours of Thursday, 21 July in a Windhoek hospital. He was 50.About two months ago, Robbie suffered a mild stroke and was in and out of hospital until his death.Current and former football players, sport administrators and family described Robbie as a humble soul. He has been described by many as a true legendary supporter who never wavered to choose what his heart really desired. Robbie was present when Namibia made their first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1998 in Burkina Faso. He also accompanied the team to the 2008 finals in Ghana.Tributes Close friend Costa Khaiseb said: “It is really hard to believe that Robbie is gone. He was a very great friend and I will surely never forget him.“Today, I came to bury a man who loved sport with his whole heart and may his legacy live on. Rest in peace my brother.” Brave Warriors captain Ronald Ketjijere had a lot to say about Robbie.“Robson would appear at the team's hotel from nowhere and we liked him so much that he could bath in any room, we gave him clothes and money and after that, he wouldn't talk to us.“He will be counting the money over and over to show-off. I remember that he never liked Black Africa players in the national team.“Willem Mwedihanga always teased him so bad that Robson struggle to call him a wambo and would end up saying wambosh, wambosh! There was never a dull moment with him, whether he was upset or happy. That was Robson for us.”Barry Rukoro, secretary-general of the NFA also had a lot to say about the legendry football fan. “Football will miss his straight talk and innocent opinions on the game he loved. His ways of claiming his perceived rights, particularly in the national team, stands out from our interactions,” Rukoro said.Ricardo Mannetti reminisced Robbie as that guy that always reminded him that he was Robbie's boy.“We grew up in the same neighbourhood, Khomasdal, and he was older than me and he always made sure he told people that “That is my laaitie” and he never said my full name.“He would always say Ricardo Nnetti. He would never say Mannetti, I never knew why, maybe because I was his “laaitie”. I remember one day, he insisted on wearing my jersey number (10) and he jumped up and down saying 'come on Namibia!' and promoting me. For that, I will forever remember him.”Werner Shikuambi was inconsolable as he said goodbye to a man he described as a brother.“Today, I came to bury my friend, brother and the best football supporter in Namibia.“Robbie was a great man and his legacy will surely live on for many generations to come.“It is sad that he had to leave now, but I guess that is part of life and I pray we will meet again one day. Rest in peace my brother,” Shikuambi said. Robbie's friend Lesley Shekupe, who was present at the hospital the day Robbie died, shared his views about the late mascot. “It is a very sad day that we finally have to say goodbye to the late Robbie Savage.“I will miss him, especially the days that he would come to my workplace demanding all kinds of things.“Robbie was a great man and will forever be missed by his people. Football will never be the same again. Rest in peace comrade,” Shekupe said. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Farewell to Robbie

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-11

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Farewell to Robbie

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-11

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