Stepping-stone for Awillo
Willy 'Awillo' Stephanus has earned himself a spot in the Zambian Premier League.
Brave Warriors midfielder and former AC Kajaani player, Willy 'Awillo' Stephanus, says he is over the moon about the six-month deal he has clinched with Zambian Premier League side Lusaka Dynamos, nicknamed 'The Elite'.
Stephanus said he signed a short-term contract with an eye on more lucrative deals in the future.
He is banking on bigger and better deals in the future, as the Warriors are on the verge of qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which will take place in Egypt.
“I have faith and believe that Namibia can make it to Afcon. So I believe as players we can market ourselves better at the tournament,” the 27-year-old Mariental-born and Keetmanshoop-raised midfielder said. Stephanus is a product of the Fedics Football Club in Keetmanshoop. He later signed for Black Africa in 2009, winning several trophies including four consecutive league titles from 2011.
He moved to AC Kajaani in Finland last year, after spending six months in Thailand at Krabi FC.
'The Elite' move will allow him to play alongside national teammate Teberius 'Tebe' Lombard, who moved to Dynamos in February last year, where has settled in well.
“Lombard gave me heads-up about how physical matches are in Zambia, as I'm already familiar with living abroad,” Stephanus said.
The lethal player is yet to play a match for his new club, as the league is only scheduled to start next weekend.
He, however, said he has been doing well at training.
“It is very different from when I was in Finland, as it was more tactical. At Dynamos it's very physical and comes with a lot of running.
“Playing in Zambia will definitely help me as a player, and of course the national side, because it will give me a clear picture of the tactics of Zambian players,” he said.
Most African players are now flocking to Zambia, as it is fast becoming the preferred destination for most.
Zambia is on the rise to dislodge South Africa as the most lucrative country to play in.
The Zambian Premier League is also exclusively broadcasted by SuperSport, which exposes the players to more opportunities.
“In Namibia we don't really get seen on TV unless it's for national duty, so playing here is a great opportunity to also grow a fan base,” Stephanus said.
Dynamos are renowned for their ability to nurture upcoming footballers into fully-fledged ones.
They have sold players to German, Israeli, and South African clubs. Of late, the club has made a name by signing up some of the greatest talent from around Africa and have even had players from as far as Brazil on their roster.
The club, however, is yet to win a league title, with their best finish being fifth position in 2017. The club won their one and only trophy in the 2008 BP Top 8 Cup, after beating Zesco United 1-0 in the final.
They ended in 11th position on the 20-team log standings with 51 points last year.
Another one to watch
Defender Willem Mwedihanga is back in the Namibia Premier League (NPL) after leaving Platinum Stars. The no-nonsense defender who has not been called up to the national side in recent years, has been donning Unam colours of late.
“I'm always on the lookout out for players who fit into our plans and are doing well for the clubs,” said Brave Warriors gaffer Ricardo Mannetti, when asked if he is keeping an eye on Mwedihanga, who has 22 caps for the national side.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Stephanus said he signed a short-term contract with an eye on more lucrative deals in the future.
He is banking on bigger and better deals in the future, as the Warriors are on the verge of qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which will take place in Egypt.
“I have faith and believe that Namibia can make it to Afcon. So I believe as players we can market ourselves better at the tournament,” the 27-year-old Mariental-born and Keetmanshoop-raised midfielder said. Stephanus is a product of the Fedics Football Club in Keetmanshoop. He later signed for Black Africa in 2009, winning several trophies including four consecutive league titles from 2011.
He moved to AC Kajaani in Finland last year, after spending six months in Thailand at Krabi FC.
'The Elite' move will allow him to play alongside national teammate Teberius 'Tebe' Lombard, who moved to Dynamos in February last year, where has settled in well.
“Lombard gave me heads-up about how physical matches are in Zambia, as I'm already familiar with living abroad,” Stephanus said.
The lethal player is yet to play a match for his new club, as the league is only scheduled to start next weekend.
He, however, said he has been doing well at training.
“It is very different from when I was in Finland, as it was more tactical. At Dynamos it's very physical and comes with a lot of running.
“Playing in Zambia will definitely help me as a player, and of course the national side, because it will give me a clear picture of the tactics of Zambian players,” he said.
Most African players are now flocking to Zambia, as it is fast becoming the preferred destination for most.
Zambia is on the rise to dislodge South Africa as the most lucrative country to play in.
The Zambian Premier League is also exclusively broadcasted by SuperSport, which exposes the players to more opportunities.
“In Namibia we don't really get seen on TV unless it's for national duty, so playing here is a great opportunity to also grow a fan base,” Stephanus said.
Dynamos are renowned for their ability to nurture upcoming footballers into fully-fledged ones.
They have sold players to German, Israeli, and South African clubs. Of late, the club has made a name by signing up some of the greatest talent from around Africa and have even had players from as far as Brazil on their roster.
The club, however, is yet to win a league title, with their best finish being fifth position in 2017. The club won their one and only trophy in the 2008 BP Top 8 Cup, after beating Zesco United 1-0 in the final.
They ended in 11th position on the 20-team log standings with 51 points last year.
Another one to watch
Defender Willem Mwedihanga is back in the Namibia Premier League (NPL) after leaving Platinum Stars. The no-nonsense defender who has not been called up to the national side in recent years, has been donning Unam colours of late.
“I'm always on the lookout out for players who fit into our plans and are doing well for the clubs,” said Brave Warriors gaffer Ricardo Mannetti, when asked if he is keeping an eye on Mwedihanga, who has 22 caps for the national side.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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