By Michael Uugwanga
The Brave Warriors made history by winning their first and only Council of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA) Senior Cup in South Africa in 2015, a memory that will continue to live in the lives of all Namibians for generations to come.
As a result the class of 2015 is in its 11th anniversary since that memorable title win thanks to a 2-0 win over Mozambique to hand the Brave Warriors its biggest title win to date.
The team was coached by former Brave Warriors midfielder Ricardo Mannetti, with Ronald Katjijere captaining the side.
Ronny Kanalelo was the assistant coach and now head coach of FC Ongos in the Namibia Premiership.
Below are the players who made history and their whereabouts, as many are still active while others have totally retired and few are still actively involved in coaching.
Goalkeepers: Virgil Vries is now a retired stopper, and currently runs his own goalkeeper academy, having played for some of the top clubs in South Africa, notably Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United.
Max Mbaeva: Another good ‘keeper’, who also played in South Africa for Golden Arrows and last played in Namibia for Tigers, before announcing his retirement and was last part of the technical team of Young African.
Defenders: Willem Mwedihanga, previously played for Amazulu came to finish his playing days at UNAM FC, and is now the assistant coach of UNAM FC, and also serves as an assistant coach of the Brave Warriors under coach Collin Benjamin.
Chris Katjiukua: Played for Golden Arrows , before retiring about three seasons ago.
Denzil Haoseb: Played most of his career in Namibia for Black Africa, before a move to South Africa at Highlands Park and Jomo Cosmos, however things never worked out for him in South Africa, which saw him joining Khomas NamPol and is currently the Brave Warriors most capped player with 82 caps and still plays for NamPol.
Annanias Gebhardt: Was with Black Africa while at the COSAFA Cup, before a move to Baroka in South Africa, and last played for Tigers last season in the Namibia Premiership, while also serving as one of the coaches at the club.
Gregory Aukumeb: Still playing for Blue Waters.
Denis Ngueza: Played for African Stars most of his career and has hanged up his boots, although he played some few matches in the Khomas Second Division for Patriots FC about two seasons ago.
Midfielders: Neville Tjiueza: Was on the books of Tura Magic (today FC Ongos), and is now head coach of Tura Magic in the Khomas Third Division.
Hendrik Somaeb: Played for Free State Stars in South Africa and has retired.
Peter Shalulile : Was selected as a midfielder before converted into a center-forward. Still active playing, but is now out of contract at Mamelodi Sundowns after years there winning titles after titles and is also the Brave Warriors all-time scorer with 20 goals.
Ronald Ketjijere: Captain of the team and still active at African Stars, and is still going strong. He is also a lawyer by profession.
Wangu Gome: He last played for Rundu Chiefs last season in the Namibia Premiership.
Joslin Kamatuka: Last played for Durban City in South Africa and currently without a club.
Petrus Shitembi: Still active but plays club football in Malaysia.
Deon Hotto: Still going at Orlando Pirates in South Africa, where he won the South Africa Premiership last season and was the hero of the two goals in the final.
Strikers: Nicky Musambani: Retired and was last seen as a long distance driver between Windhoek and Omaruru.
Henrico Botes: Currently serving as coach at Collin Bejamin School (CBS) in the MTC Hopsol Youth League.
Sadney Urikhob: Still active at Kwekwe FC in Zimbabwe Premiership.
Benson Shilongo: He has reportedly retired although there are some reports suggesting that he is looking for a new club.
