On the spot with Paulus Shipanga

PAULUS Shipanga is one of Namibian football's most recognisable figures having enjoyed a successful playing career at home and abroad. 

A passionate character, he is steadily gaining a reputation as a shrewd tactician. Shipanga recently celebrated his 40th birthday, but unfortunately in a muted fashion owing to current lockdown regulations and not as elaborate when winning the MTC Namibia Premier League with Black Africa last season. 



Here are Shipanga's career highlights:



Q: Who was your sports hero as a child?

A: Brazilian Ronaldo



Q: Who was your best teammate/player you've coached?

A: Armando Pedro and Cyril Nzama stand out as teammates. Lucky Heita (Black Africa), Michael Alonzo Gabriel (Blue Waters) and Oswaldo Xamseb (Tura Magic) are the top players. 



Q: Who is the best rival coach and player you've faced? 

A: I'll say Woody Jacobs because of his tactics. For the player, the striker from Mighty Gunners Elmo Kambinda. He's good in the air and on the ground.



Q: Who was the best coach you played under?

A: Locally, Lucky Shipanga. With the national team, Peter Ueberjahn and abroad was Boebie Solomons. 



Q: What was your most memorable competition?

A: I would say the Cosafa final as a player. I played alongside Elifas Safile Shivute. From a coaching perspective, the NPL. Especially being on top of the log from start to finish. 



Q: What is the highlight of your career?

A: As a coach, winning the NPL and being crowned coach of the season. As a player, getting promoted into the South African Premiership with Wits. Winning the Namibia Premier League and Cups with Blue Waters, and winning the NPL with Orlando Pirates.



Q: What's the lowest moment of your career as a coach or player?

A: As a coach, being sacked from Blue Waters after taking them from relegation and ending third.

As a player - getting relegated with Bay United in SA. Leaving my team in Malaysia because of family issues back home. I only spent six month in Asia.



Q: Name your most memorable performance by a Namibian athlete/team?

A: I have an endless list of memorable performances. Like Frankie Fredericks winning medals at the Olympics. The national rugby team at the World Cup in Japan. Those boys played their hearts out. The netball team winning the M1 Nations Cup in Singapore. Harry Simon becoming world champion. And last but not least, let's not forget Johanna Benson at London 2012.