Louw relishes coaching challenge

He is best known for being the most decorated player in the Namibian Premier League (NPL) but since hanging up his boots, Rudi Louw has decided to try his hand at coaching where he also hopes to rake in accolades as he did during his playing days. Louw, known by the nicknames Gazza or Robinho, has been roped in as assistant coach of the University of Namibia Football Club (UNAM FC) by head coach Ronnie Kanalelo. The stocky former midfielder said he had planned to take up coaching one day. “It was actually my plan and since I love football and have been mentored by top-notch coaches such as Ronnie Kanalelo, Bobby Samaria and Woody Jacobs I have had the desire of following in their footsteps,” Louw said. “I wanted to coach and it is definitely in my blood and I am determined to eventually become head coach of one of the bigger clubs in the country.” The six-time premier league champion thanked Unam FC head coach Kanalelo for offering him the opportunity to be his assistant. “It’s an honour to work under Kanalelo where I will be able to learn from one of the great coaches in local football. “I am really just there to learn from the best. “Our objective with UNAM FC is to challenge for the league title and improve on last season’s performance. “We are aiming high. “I know it will not be easy but we are confident in the young talent at our disposal and we are definitely focused on the task that lies ahead.” Although the new season will be a daunting task for him and Kanalelo, Louw said they are fired up to make their mark in the NPL this season. The former Ramblers, African Stars, Blue Waters, Civics, Black Africa and Orlando Pirates player said he will also focus on teaching the players life skills, which he said are necessary to instil discipline on and off the field. Louw has won the NPL thrice with Civics, twice with African Stars and once with Black Africa, making him the most decorated player in local football. WINDHOEK-THRUPASS.COM.NA