FORMER Oshikoto Region striker Alfred Ndyenge has urged players to raise their standard of play while advancing their own ambitions at The Namibian Newspaper Cup.
Ndyenge believes players owe it to themselves to put their best foot forward and by extension provide quality entertainment to spectators.
Like most players who have come through the competition, the former Brave Warriors striker is a reference point that a solid showing at the youth football development tournament will advance your football career.
“This is a prestigious tournament. It’s self-motivating. You have to sell yourself to the nation and the scouts. They [players] need to make the most of this chance and show that they can make it in football,” said Ndyenge, who believes the hosts have a great opportunity of getting their hands on the coveted trophy.
Ndyenge’s four goals in the competition not only helped propel Oshikoto to the final, where they lost 3-1 to Omaheke, but were enough to convince then Premier League powerhouse Chief Santos to prise him away from local rivals Benfica.
He went on to play for lower tier English football clubs Alfreton Town, Chesterfield and Bolsover Town as well as Nordvärmland FF from Sweden and Five Star Southern Samity of Kolkata in India.
Ndyenge has also played for Namibia Premier League sides Sport Klub Windhoek, Orlando Pirates, Civics and is currently turning out for Ramblers.
He is also of the opinion that the quality of football has noticeably deteriorated over the years and needs to be improved.
“The standard has dropped over the years since I played. So far the tournament that stood out for me was the 2010 event in Windhoek. I hope this year they can pick up the level again,” Ndyenge said.
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