Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Brave Warriors striker Isaskar “Bio” Gurirab says he is happy to have returned to the national football team after a long absence.
His last call-up was in October last year for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers under coach John Sikerete.
Gurirab is currently in camp with the national team preparing for the Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) tournament in South Africa.
He said he has been working hard with his club and is hoping for a return to the national team.
“It has been a long journey to come back to the national. The last time I was part of the team was during the CHAN competition qualifying games, and a lot has changed now. But it feels good to be back, I have been pushing myself, trying to get back to the national team, and finally it has paid off,” Gurirab said.
Namibia faces Angola this afternoon in the first game of the tournament.
Gurirab is optimistic despite Namibia’s difficult record against Angola.
“Our record against Angola has not been quite well, but we are pushing to change the results this time around and try to bring the COSAFA back home,” he said.
Gurirab previously played for Orlando Pirates in the Namibian Premier League.
He now plays for Simba Bhora Football Club in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
His club is second on the log with 26 points from 14 games, four points behind leaders Moors World of Sport Football Club.
He said playing in Zimbabwe gave him a chance to challenge himself and grow as a player and person by experiencing a new environment and different ways of doing things.
“It is a new challenge that forced me to get out of my comfort zone, and so far it has been great. I am enjoying the challenge, and we are looking forward to ending the season on a high note,” Gurirab said.
