Former Brave Warriors defender to give back

Former national team defender Ivan Namaseb is planning to host a gala dinner for an Otjiwarongo team over the weekend. The player, who hails from the town, told Namibian Sun that he will be hosting the event to show appreciation to second-division outfit African Lions. “While I didn’t play for them at Namibia Premier League (NPL) level, it is my wish to give back to where I come from,” he said. Namaseb sharpened his defending skills at Lions before being signed by Life Fighters, for whom he played in the NPL. “In 2002, I moved to [Windhoek team] Orlando Pirates before going to South African club, FC AK with Ali Akan [current Pirates coach,” he said. But the 28-year-old defender’s playing career came to a premature end when he injured his knee while representing Namibia in a clash against Lebanon on April 1, 2009. Despite that setback, Namaseb has made great strides in the business sphere through his company, Hage Investments. “The company will sponsor Lions with training equipment to the value of N$15 000 and in due course we’ll do even more,” the former defender said. The event will introduce new African Lions players to the fans while some of the older players will be awarded with trophies for their service to the team. “I also plan to get involved in youth development in Otjiwarongo,” Namaseb added. According to Namaseb, the dinner will be held at Okeri B&B in Otjiwarongo on Saturday, with tickets selling at N$100. WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA