I'm appreciated at Swallows – Vries

Limba MupetamiWINDHOEK Moroka Swallows Football Club goalkeeper Virgil Vries has been in a great mood since his club gained promotion to the Absa Premiership after winning the GladAfrica Championship last Sunday. Vries said it was not easy getting to the good place he is at right now with the Covid-19 pandemic as well as his exit from Kaizer Chiefs following an error-riddled season with the club. “It was difficult in the beginning; we tried to adjust and manage, but eventually with the possibilities Covid-19 testing brings, we could increase numbers on the training ground and have a full team at training. That's how we got around it. “The fact that you go to the field without seeing your fan base was another factor, but as footballers, you get used to it, as it's the new normal.”Changes Vries said there is a lot he changed before joining the club and that's what he wants to focus on. “I want to remain focused, humble, keep my feet on the ground, work hard and stay out of unnecessary things. That has been my key to success. “I have been working hard. I have lost a lot of stuff. I have been going through a lot, but my confidence is back. I'm going through my games, checking where I can get better. The goalkeeper coach is really phenomenal. He is pushing me. He really wants the best for me and ensures that I'm in the right frame of mind and that I'm happy,” the Namibian added. He further said that it's all about energy. “The energy you get is what you push out in the world. The energy we have at the club and in the goalkeeping department is what we are pushing out. That performance is not only from my side, but the rest of the goalkeepers are contributing to our clean sheets. They push me as well as much as I push myself, as we only want what's good for the club and the brand,” Vries said. Great philosophy “We have a philosophy of only focusing on the next game. We have a good coach; he is well structured and he knows how to get his points. “This can only motivate you as a player. Being number 14 and then moving to number one, it's amazing. Each and everyone is happy, as each and every player has contributed to the success of the club.” Find common ground Even though things are looking up for him in South Africa, the Namibian has not forgotten where he comes from and sends a message to football leaders and players: “I hope they can find common ground and solve these disputes. As much as we are faced with Covid-19, playing football is for the player's bread and butter. “I want to advise the players to remain professional, even in this situation. Keep on working, hoping and praying that this gets better. Your mind should always be in the right state. You don't want to be caught off guard. Keep focused and be ready for whatever is thrown at you.” Looking ahead Asked whether he will ever venture into coaching, Vries said it's not something he has thought of, but that he would like to continue inspiring and encouraging youngsters. He also sends a positive message to aspiring footballers in Namibia, in particular to those in Keetmanshoop, his town of birth.“I want each and everyone to see God's work through my story, because without Him, none of this would be possible.

I'm appreciated at Swallows – Vries

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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I'm appreciated at Swallows – Vries

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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