Young Brazilians’ messiah
Promoted Young Brazilians FC were staring down the barrel mid-season, but Afrikaner took charge and changed the club’s fortunes.
Afrikaner was just an assistant to coach Jomo Christians at the start of the season, but he was called into head coaching duty following Christians’ departure.
In the midst of the confusion and troubles at the football club came a man who dared to dream of leading the team back into the Premier League.
The club had just been relegated and all hope may have seemed lost, but through his coaching tactics and philosophy, Young Brazilians were transformed into a formidable First Division side.
It was not only his desire to win, but his never-say-die attitude that ensured the players found a glimmer of hope while competing against clubs equally determined to reach the promised land.
Mariental FC, Quiver FC and Friends all had their eyes on the prize of gaining promotion to Namibia’s top-flight league.
Neck and neck and toe to toe, the clubs battled for glory, but it was Young Brazilians FC who emerged victorious on the final day of the season, securing an immediate return to the Premier League.
Afrikaner’s dream of leading a football club to promotion did not start today, but dates back to 2015 when he was in charge of the Under-15 boys at P.K. de Villiers.
His early development as a coach was nurtured through development systems where he worked with talented young players.
“There I worked with young talents like Amazing Kandjii and Josias Haludilu (Khomas Nampol), just to name a few.
“I developed a passion for coaching while working in youth development,” Afrikaner said.
The coach further revealed that he was also a football player in his younger days.
“I played soccer in high school and in my first year while studying at UNAM, I played in the social league. However, I had to give up football due to the demands of my studies and turned my attention to coaching.”
Born and raised in the south, Afrikaner grew up in Keetmanshoop and completed his high school education at Karasburg Combined Secondary School.
Coaching philosophy
His admiration for English Premier League giants and coach Pep Guardiola in particular has influenced the way he prepares for matches and the tactics he employs.
“My favourite football club is Manchester City — not really the club, but I am a huge follower of Pep Guardiola and the science he introduced to football,” Afrikaner said.
Afrikaner, who is a teacher by profession, has managed to juggle his work with his passion for coaching.
Remarkable achievement
Young Brazilians Football Club won the First Division following a close race with Mariental FC.
The club accumulated 42 points, while Mariental FC managed 41.
Mariental FC were, at one point, tipped as favourites to win the title after leading the log for most of the second half of the season, but the team from Karasburg came back stronger and had the final say in the closing stages.
Afrikaner’s men scored 27 goals while conceding only 13.
They won 12 matches, lost only four, and drew six.
“I do not think this success was all about me, but the entire team and even those who were here before me.
“This was a team effort, and we have to give credit to all who made it possible,” Afrikaner said.
Going forward
The coach prefers to keep most of his plans close to his chest as far as next season is concerned.
He does, however, promise to lead the team in a way that will serve as a boost to their campaign.
“I don’t want to reveal much, but I can promise that the Dakaza Boys will become a force to be reckoned with going into next season.
“The First Division required us to play hard and unstructured football, but the Premier League comes with different demands that we are ready to meet.”
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