Hard PSL window for Nam

Hard PSL window for NamNPL sponsorship flop felt There has been no sign of a move by Namibian players to the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA



Football officials have expressed concern that it will be difficult for any local players to sign with clubs in South Africa this month given the current situation in Namibia.

The South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) transfer window opened on 3 January and will close on 31 January at midnight.

However, there has been no news of Namibian players signing with clubs in the South African league.

Namibian coaches and football officials have blamed the situation on the fact that the players have not been active due to the absence of the NPL, caused by a lack of sponsors.

Well-known football guru Jakes Amaning believes that it will be almost impossible for any local player to make a move to SA this January, unless he has been on the radar of a specific club.

Speaking in an interview with Namibian Sun yesterday Amaning said: “The fact that our local players have not been active will make it difficult for the South African clubs to sign any.

“Clubs often like to sign players who have at least been active for the past five months rather than acquiring the signature of a player who has been out of action.

“The guys would be lucky if they maybe were in the plans of a specific club before.”

Tura Magic FC coach Paulus Shipanga confirmed that none of his players had attracted any South African clubs during the transfer window.

He also said that he was worried whether he even had a team anymore.

“Well, I do not even know if I have a team anymore because it has been so quiet.

“I can however confirm that none of the players we had have given any indication that they could possibly be lucky and cross the border to SA for greener pastures.

“I do believe that there is seriously almost no chance that any of our local guys will secure deals in South Africa during January.

“I am still waiting on the club to actually call me in because we have been in the dark for some time now,” Shipanga said.

In the past several Namibian players moved to South African clubs during the transfer window.

Some of the transfers in recent years included the likes of Wangu Gome, Maximilian Mbaeva, Deon Hotto, Da Costa Angula, Chris Katjiukua, Ronald Ketjijere and Peter Shalulile.

Orlando Pirates coach Woody Jacobs also does not expect any of his players to move to South Africa this month.

“I do not think that any of Orlando Pirates players will have a chance to move to SA this season since they have not been active for so many months.

“There is nothing happening in Namibian football, making things tougher for the players to actually search for any team in SA.

“It will be extremely difficult for any of our local players to make any breakthrough transfer to the PSL,” Jacobs said.

Premier League-winning coach Brian Isaacs, who had a very strong squad with players who could have made potential moves, also said he was unaware of any interest in his players from SA clubs.

Tigers were one of the clubs that were jam-packed with young, emerging talent last season.

“To be honest with you, I do not know what is going on at the moment because we have not been in contact with many of the players.

“However, no player has actually given me any indication that they have received calls from South African league clubs,” Isaacs said.

Citizens FC coach Christy Guruseb also said that there had been no transfer talks about his players.

He said he would start with training in preparation for the Namibia Football Association Cup, despite the fact that the league still had no sponsor.