Football coach: Pauhl 'Shakes' Mallembu

Pauhl 'Shakes' Mallembu’s journey in football coaching began in 1998 as a women’s soccer coach.

Alongside Jacky Shipanga, now the technical director of of the Namibian Football Association (NFA), they founded a ladies' soccer team called 'Amateachers'. Despite societal taboos, they played against teams like the University of Namibia (Unam) Bokkies, Ongwediva College of Education and Rundu College of Education.

"I got a chance, and I never looked back," Mallembu recalled.

After completing his teaching qualifications, he returned to his hometown of Rundu in 2000. While teaching, he played for local teams such as Once Again FC and United Stars FC. Serious injuries ended his playing career at 25, leading him to coaching.

"I started coaching as an amateur coach for my township team Once Again FC. The late Hausiku Mauno Dasca gave me a chance to coach under his supervision. I really liked it and was serious about the team's performance," he said.

In 2004, Mallembu attended the NFA introductory coaching course, marking his first official qualification in football. "Football drives me crazy! It has given me a lot, but I have also shed tears of sadness and joy," he said.

Over the past 15 years, Mallembu has coached various teams, producing many successful players. "Many players in Namibia have become household names because of the small contributions I made to their growth," he said.

Mallembu has coached all three major teams in the Kavango East Region, namely: United Stars FC, Cuca Tops FC and Rundu Chiefs FC.

He also served as an assistant coach for women’s football at the COSSA Games in Botswana, Namibia national under-17 team, under-17 COSAFA Championship in Mauritius and was the under-20 COSAFA Championship in Zambia.

According to Mallembu, his coaching philosophy emphasises positional play, focusing on technical skills and combination play on short passes.

"Many young Namibian players have natural skills which need to be nurtured in the tactical aspects of the modern game," he explained.

His daily life as a coach involves meticulous planning of training sessions, he said. "Modern football requires a coach to read more about different approaches and game methodologies."

He stressed the importance of small-sided games in training to improve individual player performance. "Coaching has helped me grow personally. It has taught me discipline, decision-making and responsibility," Mallembu said.

His advice to young coaches is to be humble, passionate and to lead by example.

"Work hard for your results and always forge a good relationship with your players. They will remember your guidance on their way to the top."