Lazarus Kaimbi: the epitome of a professional footballer

Ramblers, Jomo Cosmos and Bangkok Glass wing attacker Lazarus ‘LK11’ Kaimbi’s professional football journey has been full of glitz and glamour.

He started playing in the streets before joining a coaching clinic in Khomasdal where they trained every Saturday morning. Things got more serious at David Bezuidenhout Secondary School in Khomasdal.

Born in Windhoek and raised at Tsumeb until his seventh birthday, Kaimbi, who was also an exceptional athlete during his secondary school days, seems to have taken after his father Mathias ‘Puma’ Shinuna – a star defender with former Metropolitan Cup champions Benfica. He was a force to be reckoned with in the 100m, 200m and 800m, representing Namibia at the under-17 level.

Kaimbi started playing for Invincible FC as a skinny young boy. The team was owned by former Ramblers and national team striker Joseph ‘Draaitjies’ Martin.

In 2005, Kaimbi signed a with the South African Premier Soccer League outfit Jomo Cosmos and he never looked back. In fact, the speedy winger’s talent took him to play internationally in Thailand in 2011.

His Asian experience started with a six-month stint at Jumpasri United (formerly known as Osotspa) in the Thai League 1 before he joined Bangkok Glass, where he enjoyed a very successful spell on the pitch.

“After six seasons at Jomo Cosmos, I left for Portugal before landing myself a deal in Thailand with Osotspa. [I] only played for them for six months before I joined Bangkok Glass, where I must say I really enjoyed playing football,” Kaimbi says.

“I had my best moments at Bangkok Glass. The team even got offers for me from an American Major Soccer League club and another offer from Cerezo Osaka, a club from the J1 League (Japan super league). But they declined because they said they needed my services as well.”

Things ramped up for Kaimbi in his first year with Bangkok as he found his stride, effectively dictating matters from the heart of his team’s attack. That same season, he was namedplayer of the player and the tournament’s top scorer in the Thai FA Cup.

The former Ramblers star, who also claimed the ‘Goal of the Season’ accolade in 2012, went on to play in Bangkok’s colours for eight years.

The married father of three maitains that his time in Portugal, brief as it was, gave him the toughest league experience.

RETURN HOME

Kaimbi returned to Namibia after a spell with Malaysia Super League team Kelantan in 2020, after playing with them for two years. Then, he played for Walvis Bay’s Blue Water in 2023, scoring five goals in the 17 matches he played.

The right-winger, who prefers any attacking position, says he wants to be remembered as a skilled and dedicated athlete.

“I want people to remember me as someone who always gave his best on the pitch and always inspired and encouraged my teammates through my performances. I have always been that person who played with passion, sportsmanship and integrity,” Kaimbi says.

“I would say that I have contributed positively to the sports community. I have been very proud to have represented Namibia in all age groups as well as at the senior level. I attribute all my success to football to my hard work and passion for the game.”

Luck, he points out, wasn’t the determining factor in his professional career; his football journey wasn’t always easy, and even getting to South Africa to join Cosmos came with its challenges.

“I was even stranded at the airport because there was no one to pick me up. But I had so much hope that I would make it. Fast forward, [I spent] six years at Cosmos,” he recalls.

“I would say without any hesitation that the greatest achievement in my life would have to be my success in the sport. I started playing the game at the tender age of eight. Football stuck with me throughout my life until now – I dream and eat football.”

WHAT IT TAKES

He has one numerous milestones and accomplishments under his belt, but he always remembers what it took to get there. “Whether it be receiving individual accolades or contributing to my team’s success, each moment has been a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance. As I continue to strive for excellence both on and off the pitch, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my football career thus far.”

The former winger says that he didn’t have a specific playing style, adding that successful football players usually have a combination of tactical understanding, skills and technique.

“These elements all play a crucial role in a player’s overall performance on the field. Some players may excel in one area … but a well-rounded player typically possesses a balance of all three aspects to be successful in football,” he explains.

Kaimbi was a member of the Namibian squad at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

“I was one the youngest players in the team. I don’t remember having any pressure at all, I had very good inspiring senior players that helped me through the tournament,” he enthuses. “It was a very good experience. I enjoyed myself although we did not do well as a country.”

As for his fondest moment in the Brave Warriors jersey? Kaimbi can not speak enough about Namibia’s November 2011 encounter against Djibouti – during which he scored twice – during the first round of African qualification for the 2014 Fifa World Cup.

Kaimbi also acknowledges his family’s impact on his career. “Life skills, discipline, and good morals highlighted the long list of qualities my parents believed I should practice and aim to perfect. So with all that I’m grateful.”

Responding to the question if he misses the tough training sessions, he says he is used to them – he trains the same way today.

His advice to young players: “Always give your best effort in training and matches. Hard work and dedication are key to success in football. Never stop looking for ways to improve your skills. Stay committed to learning and developing as a player.

“Football is a team sport, so remember the importance of working together with your teammates towards a common goal. Remember to have fun and enjoy playing football. Passion for the game can be a great motivator,” he says.