Mannetti names toughest opponent
Former Brave Warriors footballer Ricardo Mannetti has named former national teammate Mohammed 'Slice' Ouseb as his toughest opponent to date.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
Windhoek
From facing off in the Namibia Premier League to the South African premiership and during Brave Warriors training sessions, Mohamed 'Slice' Ouseb worried Ricardo Mannetti more than any other player.
The duo had a very close friendship, given that they wore the same national team jersey, but things got tricky when they faced off for their respective rival clubs.
At the time, Mannetti played for Civics, while Ouseb plied his trade for former cup kings Chief Santos.
“I can say that Ouseb had it all and it was very difficult to play against him, given that he possessed speed and
aggression.
“He made tackles towards me that I would question if this guy is really my friend or an enemy,” Mannetti reminisced.
Off to South Africa
Both players started their football careers in Namibia, but their impressive displays attracted interest from clubs in South Africa.
Ouseb moved to Kaizer Chiefs, while Mannetti joined Santos in the South African premiership.
“He gave me a tough time even when we had gone to South Africa playing for different opponents in a very competitive league.
“He was such a committed player and I can say I was a big fan of him, even if I did not enjoy playing against him,” Mannetti said with a laugh.
Brave Warriors training
The Namibian national team has produced some of the finest players and moments in the country's football history.
Mannetti, who played as a midfielder for the Brave Warriors, said he believes the passion the players possessed drove the team to some great heights. He is one of the few to have played for the national team that later became its coach.
“I always wanted to be on Ouseb's side during training because I knew that it will then spare me from a rough tackle.
“It did however not always go as planned and I would find myself playing against him in training, making life very difficult for me.”
Playing with heart
Mannetti added that he believes playing for the national team alongside Ouseb and the rest of his teammates made them a formidable team because they played with heart.
“Wearing that jersey is the greatest thing and we always had to play with passion, knowing that we carried the hopes of a football-loving nation on our shoulders. I believe players of the past worried less about the fame and rubbing shoulders with elites.
It was more about representing your nation and giving your all when on that field. Ouseb did that, like all of us.”
Windhoek
From facing off in the Namibia Premier League to the South African premiership and during Brave Warriors training sessions, Mohamed 'Slice' Ouseb worried Ricardo Mannetti more than any other player.
The duo had a very close friendship, given that they wore the same national team jersey, but things got tricky when they faced off for their respective rival clubs.
At the time, Mannetti played for Civics, while Ouseb plied his trade for former cup kings Chief Santos.
“I can say that Ouseb had it all and it was very difficult to play against him, given that he possessed speed and
aggression.
“He made tackles towards me that I would question if this guy is really my friend or an enemy,” Mannetti reminisced.
Off to South Africa
Both players started their football careers in Namibia, but their impressive displays attracted interest from clubs in South Africa.
Ouseb moved to Kaizer Chiefs, while Mannetti joined Santos in the South African premiership.
“He gave me a tough time even when we had gone to South Africa playing for different opponents in a very competitive league.
“He was such a committed player and I can say I was a big fan of him, even if I did not enjoy playing against him,” Mannetti said with a laugh.
Brave Warriors training
The Namibian national team has produced some of the finest players and moments in the country's football history.
Mannetti, who played as a midfielder for the Brave Warriors, said he believes the passion the players possessed drove the team to some great heights. He is one of the few to have played for the national team that later became its coach.
“I always wanted to be on Ouseb's side during training because I knew that it will then spare me from a rough tackle.
“It did however not always go as planned and I would find myself playing against him in training, making life very difficult for me.”
Playing with heart
Mannetti added that he believes playing for the national team alongside Ouseb and the rest of his teammates made them a formidable team because they played with heart.
“Wearing that jersey is the greatest thing and we always had to play with passion, knowing that we carried the hopes of a football-loving nation on our shoulders. I believe players of the past worried less about the fame and rubbing shoulders with elites.
It was more about representing your nation and giving your all when on that field. Ouseb did that, like all of us.”
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