Just look at Shalulile: Benjamin questions South Africa’s overlook of Namibian football talent

COLLIN BENJAMIN, the coach of Namibia’s national team, believes that South Africa does not fully appreciate the immense talent available just over its border.

Speaking after the Brave Warriors’ 1-1 Group H World Cup qualifying draw with Equatorial Guinea at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday, Benjamin said he struggles to understand why South African clubs are not actively scouting Namibia for players.

On an afternoon when his captain and Mamelodi Sundowns star, Peter Shalulile, ended his nearly two-year-long goal drought, Benjamin suggested that there could – and perhaps should – be more Namibians playing in the Betway Premiership and its lower leagues.

“We brought Peter here and others, and they are doing really well. Maybe it is up to you (South Africans) to say, ‘Let me go back and find another talent.’ There are players available, and they come at a cheaper price. If you look at the matches these Brave Warriors are playing, it’s proof that we have talent – hungry players who just need a chance,” said the coach, having lavished praise on the ‘patriotic’ Shalulile.

“If you look at Ngero Katuwa, our central defender — he’s an animal, an absolute beast. Emilio Nsue is a very good striker, and yet Ngero contained him. He won every aerial duel, passed well, and showed incredible anticipation.

And I ask myself: if South African teams are watching what Peter and Ngero are doing, why aren’t they signing these players for next to nothing?

Maybe South Africa is not truly appreciating Namibia’s footballing talent.”

Benjamin acknowledged Shalulile’s contributions, not only to Namibia but also to his club and their fans, and wished him well in his pursuit of becoming the top scorer in Premiership history.

He went on to praise Shalulile’s influence, describing him as far more than just a goal scorer.

“The value that Shalulile brings to the team — I’m going to emphasise it again — is immense. He is an absolute professional and a patriot. A leader, on and off the field. He’s the first to carry the bags onto the bus and off at the airport. The small things he does off the field are outstanding.

“But when it comes to scoring, because he has the quality and is a truly great player — you in South Africa can attest to that — his value extends beyond just goals. In our last game against Malawi, he provided an assist.

"When Shalulile is on the pitch, opponents are already wary of him, which is a huge advantage for us. That allows a player like Jocelyn or whoever is in that position to play off him.”

Benjamin described the Sundowns superstar as “proudly Namibian” and spoke about how the entire nation is backing him to surpass Siyabonga Nomvethe as the Premiership’s all-time leading goal scorer.

"Shalulile is currently on 127 goals, just two short of equalling the legendary striker’s record. Nomvethe, who played for all three Soweto giants — Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and the now-defunct Moroka Swallows — set the benchmark years ago.

“We wish him well, and hopefully that record in South Africa will not stand for much longer. Every Namibian — I think we’re at three million now — is thinking about it and praying for him. All of them. We know it’s just a matter of time, and we are incredibly proud of him.”

Benjamin, however, is also aware that there are many more players in Namibia like Shalulile who could be of great benefit to South African clubs.