Unam football team to hit NPL running

The University of Namibia (Unam) yesterday presented the team that will represent it in the MTC Namibia Premier League during the forthcoming season. The team used to play in the Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) but opted to trade places with Ramblers to take up a spot in the NPL. Speaking at the launch yesterday, Unam’s dean of students, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, said the move is an acceleration of the university’s desire to contribute to the development of football in the country. She said it is hoped that the team’s participation in the NPL will “strengthen our students’ mental resolve” so that they can perform even better in their studies. Since the team’s virtual amalgamation with Ramblers, the team is boasting a number of players who used to turn out for the Pionierspark outfit. Goalkeeper Lukas Hashiti, Amy Savihemba and James ‘Boma’ Nailonga are some of the prominent names with NPL experience. It also marks a full circle of events for Hashiti, who had caught the eye of NPL teams while still turning out for Unam back in the 2004/05 season. During that season, the team nearly won promotion to the elite league, only to be beaten to first place by SKW. The Olympia side beat Unam 2-1 in the penultimate game of the season to claim top spot. As it turned out, Unam has produced a number of players who have gone on to play at NPL level. Among them are defender Jona ‘Dlamini’ Ndinoshiho, who made his mark with Oshakati City, and Tigers duo Mervin ‘Maka’ Mbakera and Panduleni Nekundi. Black Africa’s midfield dynamo Bryan Bantam also had a stint playing for the university while studying there. But Ronald ‘Stigga’ Ketjijere, who is the Brave Warriors captain and plays football in South Africa, is arguably the most famous current player to have emerged from the university team. Team Goalkeepers: Lukas Hashiti, Ivan Hoeseb and Tuhafeni Filipus Defenders: Bernardo Evaristus, Bornface Siyanga, Bruce Goseb, Charles Wimmerth, Jaanda Ngozu, James Nailonga, Kennedy Ihuhua, Kleophas Nuukushu, Metho Gawanab, Mukongo Hangara and Pejavi Hengari. Midfielders: Amy Savihemba, Evaristus Evaristus, Joseph Kuungongelwa, Lorenzo Louis, Magawa Gure, Ndemwaadha Shivute, Imperth Izaak, Njengomovandu Tjiposa, Shanyengange Nghishikamuka and Victorianus Sikerete. Strikers: Clarence Foroma and Jeremia Nendongo. WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA