• By Michael Uugwanga

Brave warriors left-back, Riaan !Hanamub, revealed that football has kept him out of prison and away from the grave. !Hanamub (30), plays professional football in South Africa for Betway Premiership side, Amazulu FC.

 
!Hanamub was recently in the country during the off-season and spoke to  Confidente  on how football changed his life, his failed move to Orlando Pirates and the loss of his parents, amongst other issues.

 
“I started playing football at a tender age of six to seven years. Later, I played in school tournaments up until under-17. That is when I got snatched up by Touch and Go and got my chance at the team that is still very dear to my heart,” narrated  !Hanamub.

 
“Football has taken me from a lost life to a meaningful life. Because of football I am able to take care of my family. Because of football I can shape the future of my kids and make sure that they do not have it as hard growing up as  I did,” he added.
 

“It is either I would have been in prison or six feet under because in 2016 when there was no football, I was at home in Otavi doing nothing plus I did not have any income to be able to put food on the table. This caused me to resort to violence and was eventually locked up.” 

The years 2018 and 2019 were the darkest in !Hananmub’s life after he lost his mother and sibling.
According to him, sports is imperative in life because it helps take kids off the streets, creates jobs and helps put food on the table. 
Last year, there were several reports linking !Hanamub to Soweto giant Orlando Pirates, however nothing materilaised at the end of the day, which saw him remaining at Amazulu.

!Hanamub has been helping out his old club Touch and Go with various items.  Last season, !Hanamub had one of the finest seasons in South Africa, helping his side finish in the top six.