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ORLANDO Pirates die-hard supporters will have to show their unwavering allegiance by following the Buccaneers to Rehoboth on the weekend of 19 November.

The Dolam Boys, as the black-and-white outfit is affectionately known, have contracted the services of seasoned football coach Woody Jacobs for the 2022/23 Debmarine Premiership campaign.

In a recent interview with Desert Radio, the visibly excited Jacobs said they were supposed to have their opening games this weekend against Okahandja United and Otjiwarongo-based Mighty Gunners.

“But due to the lack of availability of stadiums and fields, we were told our matches have been postponed to 19 November. So now we will travel to Rehoboth to have our opening matches against the two teams,” he said.

“We know Windhoek is challenged with a lack of stadiums, hence we decided we want to enter into an agreement with the Rehoboth Town Council in getting the games to Rehoboth,” Jacobs said.

He is confident that taking Orlando Pirates to Rehoboth will entertain football fans at Rehoboth with some top-class quality football.

“We have engaged the town council and have looked at the facility, and it’s in such a nature that we can play football, not the most adequate, especially with the sitting of spectators, but we want to create a bazaar type of atmosphere at Rehoboth, where people can mingle and come together.

Jacobs said by taking football to Rehoboth they will be empowering the business community, including vendors.

As for Pirates players, Jacobs said among his charges is the team’s prodigal son, Sadney Urikhob, who made his debut with Pirates 10 years ago.


He said Urikhob will be the focal point of his attack after the team lost Isaskar Gurirab to Orapa United in the Botswana Premier League.

“Gurirab is a player I admire a lot, and with his wealth of experience he will be the catalyst for the team,” Jacobs said.

Other popular faces seen at the training are former African Stars and Tura Magic player Alfeus Handura, Image Isaacs, Denzil Haoseb, Romario Mans, as well as a few talented youngsters who contribute to a well-balanced side

“These are players we hold in high regard, including the acclaimed Steven Gariseb and Larry Horaeb, a formidable player, whom we have wanted to sign for quite a while,” he said.

Jacobs said Pirates now has the youth and experience needed to be competitive in the league campaign.

Meanwhile, former Thailand-based player Urikhob thanked the Fifa normalisation committee for bringing football back, adding it has been four long years for players without an earning.

“I am really excited, in fact, I had goosebumps signing with the team with which I started my football career.”

Urikhob said his former Thailand club contacted him, but he decided to rather play for Pirates, plough back, and give his fans and family a chance to see him play again in the domestic league.

“I am very excited about the talent I have seen, and with the new season it is time for Namibia to bring back the glory days of football,” he said.

As for Pirates taking their home matches to Rehoboth, Urikhob welcomed the idea despite the team having their traditional supporters at Katutura.

He said it’s a blessing in disguise that the opening matches have been postponed, because now the team would have enough time to thoroughly prepare.