Nation weeps for Robbie

Namibians reacted with shock to the death of Brave Warriors superfan Robbie Savage who died in the early morning hours of yesterday in a Windhoek hospital. He was 50. Messages of condolences and tributes flooded the Namibian Sun Facebook page following the announcement of his death. About two months ago, Robbie suffered a mild stroke and has since been in and out of hospital. Before his death, Robbie was discharged from hospital on Tuesday, but was readmitted again were he succumbed to his illness on Thursday, a close friend and former Namibian international, Costa Khaiseb said. The nation is mourning a man who was most admired and adored because of the love he had for football and sport in general. 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. Khaiseb, who was at the hospital when Robbie breathed his last breath, shared with us his last moments. “It was a very sad moment for me to see a friend I have known since 1999 leave this earth,” he said. “Robbie was a very kind person, but sometimes people did misjudge him. The funny part is that we have been friends for so long even though he never supported the club I played for.” Khaiseb revealed the family was busy organising and old-age home room for Robbie before he died. Brave Warriors legends were also planning to take Robbie along to Germany next year for a tournament they have been invited participate in. 'Best sport supporter'Deputy minister of sport Agnes Tjongarero also paid tribute to Robbie, describing him as one of the best sport supporters the country has ever produced.“It is very sad news to hear about the passing of Robbie Savage. It is indeed a great loss to sport and the nation because he was such a passionate sport lover. From football to rugby and many other sport codes, Robbie was always present. I do not think that the country will ever have another person like him,” she said.Football commentator Isack Hamata remembers Robbie as a man who instigated the rivalry of football clubs.“Robbie's death is a great loss to Namibian sport in general, and football in particular. Just the sight of Robbie at a [African] Stars or Brave Warriors game was enough to add the excitement and colour that any game needed.”Hamata added that Robbie was a socialite and celebrity in his own right.“He attended many social functions and high-profile sports events such as boxing and rugby matches. Apart from his African Stars and Brave Warriors association, he was also involved with rugby as a tee assistant (the person that takes the kicking tee onto the field during conversion and penalty kicks).” Hamata will remember and appreciate Robbie for many things but from a football perspective, it was his disdain for Black Africa.“I liked the rivalry between him and Black Africa supporters during their league or cup matches. It is one team he never wanted to lose against. For us, as neutrals, that rivalry only served to spice things up and let us look forward to the game. He has done his bit for Namibia and Namibian football.”NFA president Frans Mbidi said Robbie's passion for the game should be emulated.Namibia has lost an ardent football hero, said Mbidi.The former NFA president John Muinjo also took time to remember the iconic Robbie.“Robbie was a lively character at all times and when he was not happy with something he made sure everyone understands how he feels,” he said.Former Orlando Pirates player Lesley Shekupe said he remembers Robbie as a difficult rival. “If you are playing against Robbie's team, you knew that Robbie was going to make your life difficult. However, we did become good friends after I retired and he constantly visited me at my workplace. I was there at the hospital and I can say that one can wish his life could have been better if people had contributed resources.” JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Nation weeps for Robbie

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-11

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Nation weeps for Robbie

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-11

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