Shipanga on road to redemption
Football
Paulus Shipanga has decided to take some time off from coaching in order to salvage his passion for coaching football, he revealed.
Shipanga, whose last coaching job was at Blue Waters FC, said he has taken some time off from coaching after almost losing motivation.
The gaffer has already turned down several offers from a few premier league clubs, citing choosing to pursue personal goals as an objective.
“You know when the motivation stops, you need to take some time off in order to regain your passion and motivation.
“There is no doubt that as a coach, I did love my job and it is probably one of the best jobs I have ever done.
“I, however, needed some time in order to get back my passion,” said Shipanga.
The coach revealed his passion for coaching women’s football even though he would still consider offers from the men’s game.
He has felt the need to transform the women’s game, but things did not work out as planned in his short stint with the Brave Gladiators.
“I was trying to really get involved and help with women’s football, but things did not work out because I did not get the contract I wanted from the football association.
“I have made peace with that, but I will possibly be open for coaching in the near future.”
Return of football
The Namibia Premier Football League season started last weekend, following months of uncertainty due to a lack of sponsors.
Shipanga said these were worrying times for him as a coach and someone who dearly cares for football players.
He applauded the government for coming in with a sponsorship of N$10 million for the league to start, while hoping to secure more funding.
“It was very concerning for us in the football circles and especially for the footballers who make a living from playing the beautiful game.
“I was happy with the news that football is resuming and one has to thank those who made it possible.
“I hope more sponsors will come on board and actually fund football in order to make sure that there is development and consistency.”
Forgiven Kanalelo
Shipanga touched on the public altercation he had with Bucks Buccaneers coach Ronnie Kanalelo.
The two were involved in a fight where guns and knives were drawn after a match between Blue Waters (coached by Shipanga) and Bucks Buccaneers where Kanalelo was at the helm.
Months after the incident, Shipanga joked about it, stating that he and Kanalelo will always be close friends.
“We are from the coast and will always be friends. I even think we will be meeting here at the coast during the festive season.
“I think that situation got blown out of proportion and it was not as bad as it was reported on.
“I have, however, forgiven him for anything, because it just got us in trouble even if we did not mean it in that way,” said Shipanga.
Coaching career
The 45-year-old Shipanga had previously coached Eleven Arrows before taking over Black Africa during the 2017-2018 season, where he went on to win the premier league with the club.
He also had coaching stints with Tura Magic (now Ongos FC), as well as Blue Waters FC.
Shipanga served as an assistant coach for the Brave Warriors before he was appointed as Brave Gladiators head coach on an interim basis in 2023.
Shipanga, whose last coaching job was at Blue Waters FC, said he has taken some time off from coaching after almost losing motivation.
The gaffer has already turned down several offers from a few premier league clubs, citing choosing to pursue personal goals as an objective.
“You know when the motivation stops, you need to take some time off in order to regain your passion and motivation.
“There is no doubt that as a coach, I did love my job and it is probably one of the best jobs I have ever done.
“I, however, needed some time in order to get back my passion,” said Shipanga.
The coach revealed his passion for coaching women’s football even though he would still consider offers from the men’s game.
He has felt the need to transform the women’s game, but things did not work out as planned in his short stint with the Brave Gladiators.
“I was trying to really get involved and help with women’s football, but things did not work out because I did not get the contract I wanted from the football association.
“I have made peace with that, but I will possibly be open for coaching in the near future.”
Return of football
The Namibia Premier Football League season started last weekend, following months of uncertainty due to a lack of sponsors.
Shipanga said these were worrying times for him as a coach and someone who dearly cares for football players.
He applauded the government for coming in with a sponsorship of N$10 million for the league to start, while hoping to secure more funding.
“It was very concerning for us in the football circles and especially for the footballers who make a living from playing the beautiful game.
“I was happy with the news that football is resuming and one has to thank those who made it possible.
“I hope more sponsors will come on board and actually fund football in order to make sure that there is development and consistency.”
Forgiven Kanalelo
Shipanga touched on the public altercation he had with Bucks Buccaneers coach Ronnie Kanalelo.
The two were involved in a fight where guns and knives were drawn after a match between Blue Waters (coached by Shipanga) and Bucks Buccaneers where Kanalelo was at the helm.
Months after the incident, Shipanga joked about it, stating that he and Kanalelo will always be close friends.
“We are from the coast and will always be friends. I even think we will be meeting here at the coast during the festive season.
“I think that situation got blown out of proportion and it was not as bad as it was reported on.
“I have, however, forgiven him for anything, because it just got us in trouble even if we did not mean it in that way,” said Shipanga.
Coaching career
The 45-year-old Shipanga had previously coached Eleven Arrows before taking over Black Africa during the 2017-2018 season, where he went on to win the premier league with the club.
He also had coaching stints with Tura Magic (now Ongos FC), as well as Blue Waters FC.
Shipanga served as an assistant coach for the Brave Warriors before he was appointed as Brave Gladiators head coach on an interim basis in 2023.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article