List of football exports expanding
Football
More than 40 currently active players of Namibian descent are currently contracted abroad.
Namibian football is witnessing an increasing number of players seeking opportunities beyond the country's borders. The past few months alone have seen a noticeable increase in migration, with several Namibians signing contracts with clubs across various continents.
Currently, Namibia has over 40 players playing their trade abroad.
In Europe, Kosovo has become a new frontier for Namibian footballers, with Liria Prizren FC recently signing three Namibians, namely central midfielder Romeo Kasume (formerly with Botswana’s Matebele FC), striker Erastus Kalula from Blue Waters, and Uetuuru Kambato, who previously played for African Stars.
In Germany, young talents like Kamaarija “Perotti” Mbeuserua and Levi Tjiyandjewa Kamuhanga are making their mark, while 33-year-old veteran midfielder Manfred Starke represents Namibia at TSV 1860 Munich.
In England's EFC Championship, Derby County features the 26-year-old defender Ryan Nyambe, who previously made more than 180 appearances for Blackburn Rovers between 2015 and 2022, and later joined Wigan Athletic for one season.
Neighbouring countries
South Africa remains the top destination for Namibian footballers, with stars like Peter Shalulile leading the charge at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Shalulile, at 30, is Namibia’s highest-valued player, worth an estimated N$40 million and has built a celebrated career at Sundowns.
Other Namibians include Deon Hotto at Orlando Pirates and Virgil Vries, who guards the posts for second division club, La Masia.
Botswana has also become a favoured destination, with a host of Namibians, including Ivan Kamberipa and Marcel Papama, adding depth to their leagues.
A list of Namibian players abroad:
Germany: Kamaarija “Perotti “Mbeuserua (SC Hainberg 1980 e.v FC; on loan); Levi Tjiyandjewa Kamuhanga (VFB Sangerhausen); Manfred Starke (TSV 1860 Munich).
England: Ryan Nyambe (Derby County).
Kosovo: Erastus Kulula (Liria Prizren FC), Romeo Kasume (Liria Prizren FC), Eutuuru Kambato (Liria Prizren FC).
Netherlands: Gerald Alders (Ajax Amsterdam).
Malaysia: Petrus Shitembi (Kuching City FC)
USA: Ngazikue Kandetu (Roadrunners FC).
Lesotho: Herman Uwuseb (Lijabath).
Zimbabwe: Sadney Urikhob (Dynamos).
Azerbaijan: Lubeni Haukongo (Shamakhi FC).
Bangladesh: Kennedy Amutenya (Abahani United FC).
South Africa:
Edward Moava (Golden Arrows)
Virgil Vries (La Masia)
Lloydt Kazapua (Sekhukhune United)
Riaan Hanamub (Amazulu)
Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates)
Ananias Gebhardt (captain of Baroka FC)
Edmar Kamatuka (Sekhukhune United)
Prins Tjiueza (Cape Town City)
Aprocius Petrus (Cape Town City)
Elmo Kambindu (Chippa United)
Bethuel Muzeu (Black Leopards)
Joslin Kamatuka (Maritzburg United)
Paulus Shikongo (The Boys FC)
Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Rewaldo Prins (Marumo Gallants)
JayJay Kordom (Jacksa Spears)
Botswana:
Dynamo Fredericks (Jwaneng Galaxy)
Wendell Rudath (Jwaneng Galaxy)
Ivan Kamberipa (Orapa United)
Bester Desmond Useb (Orapa United)
Marcel Papama (Township Rollers FC)
Moses Shidolo (Matebele FC)
Derl Goagoseb (Matebele FC)
Denver Meyer (Morupule Wanderers, on loan)
McCartney Nawaseb (Matebele FC)
Marius Kotze (Sau Flamingoes)
Romin Berndt (Masitaoka)
Richard Gonzalez Tsuseb (Police XI)