On scoring three goals in his first two matches
The reason why I was not playing in the first few matches of the season is because I started this season on the sidelines due to an injury I got in pre-season, and since then, my focus was just on regaining my fitness before I could start playing. I must say, it was not an easy process, but I was determined to make it because my intentions this season were to do well. We played a couple of friendly matches during the pre-season and we were doing well, but unfortunately, I got injured in the last friendly match just before the season started, and that was a big setback for me. But I'm back playing now, and fortunately for me, we have a good team and good players, and we have been working hard. During my time on the sidelines, the focus was on coming back. Scoring goals is something I have been doing since I started my career back home in Namibia. My first game of this season was against Richards Bay FC, and I ended up scoring two crucial goals, which gave us a 2-1 win. But to be honest with you, before the match started, there was too much pressure on me to perform, not just individually but as a team as well. You must remember that in the previous match, we had suffered a tough 3-2 loss against Royal AM. So, when we faced Richards Bay, it was a big mountain to climb.
On top of that, they scored first and we had to come from behind to get the three points, which was very important for our morale. It was not an easy match to play, but we did it nonetheless, by showing our determination and teamwork to win. The following match was another challenging one against Supersport United, but my mindset was different this time around. I went into this match with a lot of confidence that I had gained from scoring in the previous match against Richards Bay. My confidence was sky-high before the match. I was never going to miss an opportunity like that and when it came, I grabbed it with both hands. This tells you how much confidence means in football. If your confidence is high, you have a better chance of doing well and if your confidence is low, things might not work out the way you want them to.
On where it all started for him
I started playing football back home in Namibia and before I could play in my favourite centre-forward position, I played a couple of positions. But when I started playing professional football, that is when things changed. But honestly, playing in Namibia is different compared to the DStv Premiership. Obviously, the infrastructure here in South Africa is much better quality. And when the opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it. Back home, the league was on and off. Sometimes we would play and sometimes we wouldn't – that was the story. It was bad. The level of professionalism is different in the South African Premiership, where it is more advanced. Before I came to Chippa United, I went to Mozambique in 2021, where I played for Costa do Sol. I learnt a lot from the experience because I was playing in a foreign country where they spoke Portuguese, a language I was not familiar with. It was a bit hard at first and the coaches only give instructions in Portuguese in the dressing room. It was also a good experience – people did things differently and it was an environment I was not familiar with.
I just had to adapt and play football, and that's it. It didn't really bother me that much the fact that things were different. Normally, when a coach doesn't speak a common language like English, you will always find one player or two who can speak the language. That is one person who can explain what the coach is trying to do. I then came here for trials and it took me about a month before the team made a decision to sign me after my agent recommended me to the team.
On what lies ahead, and advice from Shalulile
Currently, we are working hard to get our team into the Top Eight, and personally, I'm aiming for the Top Goalscorer award. That is my personal goal. I firmly believe that as long as I keep getting opportunities, I can achieve it. I'm determined to make every chance count, and the results will speak for themselves. Competing with my national teammate, Peter Shalulile, for the Top Goalscorer award is also motivating. Peter is someone who is known for his hard work and dedication, and I had the chance to speak with him before this season started. At the time, I was struggling with an injury, and he gave me invaluable advice: to keep my head up, keep praying, stay focused, and trust that everything would fall into place. Now, here I am with three goals already this season and a renewed confidence. The journey continues, and I'm ready for whatever challenges lies ahead.
Message to the Chilli Boys fans
I just want to say to the Chippa United family and supporters that we have a good team. As long we have home matches, they must come out in numbers and support us and as players we will not disappoint them. Even when we are playing away from home, I want to encourage them to come in numbers.
Elmo Kambindu,
Chippa United striker
