Matebele’s Jacobs lauds BPL growth
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday August 29, 2023 08:51
Jacobs was speaking on the influx of Namibian talents into the local league. He became the first Namibian to land a coaching job in the BPL as he signed a 12-month contract with the rookies. Speaking to Sport Monitor, Jacobs says former Township Rollers’ forward, Jerome Louis and Benson Shilongo formerly with Gaborone United are trailblazers as players had been reluctant to take their talents down Namibia’s Eastern boarder. “Botswana’s football has grown in leaps and bounds. Namibians were quite hesitant and reluctant to come here. But seeing how sport and in particular football has grown, has made the football landscape attractive to us. I even think more would love to come and experience Botswana football,” Jacobs said.
Other than the tactician, there have been more Namibian talents joining the BPL teams in this transfer window. The biggest catch has been champions, Jwaneng Galaxy’s capture of Namibia’s national team captain, Dynamo ‘Carlos’ Fredericks on a two-year deal.
Matabele have also added national team forward, Derek Bigmam Goagoseb alongside MacCartney Tevin Naweseb to their ranks. The trio adds to Brave Warriors’ Marcel Papama (Township Rollers), Kennedy Amutenya (GU), Ivan Kamberipa (Orapa United) and Wendell Rudath (Jwaneng Galaxy) among others. Jacobs has credited the BPL teams for their facilities as he highlighted Matebele FC and VTM FC but admitted they are not world class standards. “My first impression was and I said this to my countrymen back home that we can learn a lot from Botswana people on how they view and perceive sport and football in particular. Although not world class stadia, teams here have realised the importance of having training facilities,” Jacobs said.