Ready to paint the pitch like fine art
As the new season of the PSL returns this weekend, you can expect to catch Namibian internationals like Deon Hotto, Peter Shalulile, Chris Katjiukua, Riaan Hanamub, Edward Maova and Virgil Vries lighting up the season for their clubs.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
WINDHOEK
A jam-packed opening weekend of the DSTV Premier Soccer League (PSL) returns this weekend with several Brave Warriors players, namely Orlando Pirates’ Deon Hotto, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile, Baroka’s Chris Katjiuka, Chippa United’s Riaan Hanamub, Golden Arrows’ Edward Maova and Sallows’ Virgil Vries who are ready to shine bright in their new kit.
Historically though, and despite Namibia's close proximity to South Africa, not too many players have made an impact on the PSL like these players are doing now.
Following in the steps
Those who have done so over the last 20 years include Mohamed Ouseb, Robert Nauseb, Henrico Botes, Ronnie Kanalelo, Ricardo Mannetti and Rudolf Bester.
Looking to add to their legacy, the new crop of players face immense pressure to deliver on the grand stage, with some having penned big contracts with top clubs.
What to expect
The 28-year-old, left-footed Hotto joined Pirates, hoping to end their six-year trophy drought and because he wants to add to their rich history.
“During my time here at the club‚ my ambition is to continue adding to the rich history of this club‚” he said.
There was keen interest in his services from Sundowns but Hotto chose Pirates.
“Pirates is a great team and as a boy growing up in Namibia it was the biggest club I knew in South Africa. Choosing Pirates for me was an easy decision; this is a club that always competes at the highest level,” he said.
You can catch Hotto when his side faces Amazulu on Saturday.
Shalulile
The forward was on fire last season for Highlands Park, terrorising the defence of opposition clubs and thus scoring 16 goals (and three in the cup) which got him the Player of the Season nomination.
It is hoped that the 26-year-old Shalulile continues to score goals for fun, and that he can continue in the same e for his new side. He is expected to feature against Kaizer Chiefs in the opening match. This match will be a cracker as the two sides faced each other in the season finale, which Sundowns won.
Katjiukua
The defender is an asset for his side Baroka and is expected to deliver much more. His side will face Maritzburg United on Saturday.
Hanamub
The no-nonsense defender penned a three-year deal, with an option to renew for another two years with United, making his move from first-division side Jomo Cosmos.
There is a lot in stock for the defender, who will for the first time be playing in the top flight. He is expected to feature on Sunday against Cape Town City.
Maova
The goalkeeper is very disciplined and if he continues his form, he will definitely help his side Arrows to end in a better spot than last year’s 12th position out of 16 teams. Arrows will face Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.
Vries
The goalkeeper singlehandedly helped Swallows regain premiership promotion. Vries kept 14 clean sheets throughout their 30-match campaign. He needs to step up further and continue to stamp his authority. On Sunday you can expect to see Vries in action when his side faces Stellenbosch.
Other fixtures
On Saturday, Baroka will face Maritzburg United, SuperSport will play Black Leopards, and on Sunday, Super Sport United will face Black Leopards and Tshakuma will play Galaxy.
WINDHOEK
A jam-packed opening weekend of the DSTV Premier Soccer League (PSL) returns this weekend with several Brave Warriors players, namely Orlando Pirates’ Deon Hotto, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile, Baroka’s Chris Katjiuka, Chippa United’s Riaan Hanamub, Golden Arrows’ Edward Maova and Sallows’ Virgil Vries who are ready to shine bright in their new kit.
Historically though, and despite Namibia's close proximity to South Africa, not too many players have made an impact on the PSL like these players are doing now.
Following in the steps
Those who have done so over the last 20 years include Mohamed Ouseb, Robert Nauseb, Henrico Botes, Ronnie Kanalelo, Ricardo Mannetti and Rudolf Bester.
Looking to add to their legacy, the new crop of players face immense pressure to deliver on the grand stage, with some having penned big contracts with top clubs.
What to expect
The 28-year-old, left-footed Hotto joined Pirates, hoping to end their six-year trophy drought and because he wants to add to their rich history.
“During my time here at the club‚ my ambition is to continue adding to the rich history of this club‚” he said.
There was keen interest in his services from Sundowns but Hotto chose Pirates.
“Pirates is a great team and as a boy growing up in Namibia it was the biggest club I knew in South Africa. Choosing Pirates for me was an easy decision; this is a club that always competes at the highest level,” he said.
You can catch Hotto when his side faces Amazulu on Saturday.
Shalulile
The forward was on fire last season for Highlands Park, terrorising the defence of opposition clubs and thus scoring 16 goals (and three in the cup) which got him the Player of the Season nomination.
It is hoped that the 26-year-old Shalulile continues to score goals for fun, and that he can continue in the same e for his new side. He is expected to feature against Kaizer Chiefs in the opening match. This match will be a cracker as the two sides faced each other in the season finale, which Sundowns won.
Katjiukua
The defender is an asset for his side Baroka and is expected to deliver much more. His side will face Maritzburg United on Saturday.
Hanamub
The no-nonsense defender penned a three-year deal, with an option to renew for another two years with United, making his move from first-division side Jomo Cosmos.
There is a lot in stock for the defender, who will for the first time be playing in the top flight. He is expected to feature on Sunday against Cape Town City.
Maova
The goalkeeper is very disciplined and if he continues his form, he will definitely help his side Arrows to end in a better spot than last year’s 12th position out of 16 teams. Arrows will face Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.
Vries
The goalkeeper singlehandedly helped Swallows regain premiership promotion. Vries kept 14 clean sheets throughout their 30-match campaign. He needs to step up further and continue to stamp his authority. On Sunday you can expect to see Vries in action when his side faces Stellenbosch.
Other fixtures
On Saturday, Baroka will face Maritzburg United, SuperSport will play Black Leopards, and on Sunday, Super Sport United will face Black Leopards and Tshakuma will play Galaxy.
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