Western Suburbs winger Brian Haihambo is set to make history when he becomes the first Namibian to be signed up by an American Football team in Switzerland in April.
Haihambo is one of Namibia’s most talented young rugby players, having represented his country at Under 19 and Under 23 level, but now he could be lost to the 15-man code as a new career in American football has presented itself.
Haihambo will join Swiss second division side, Basel Meanmachine on a pre-season training camp in the United States at the beginning of April, ahead of the new league that will start in Switzerland in mid-April.
The dream move came about after the 22-year-old speedster was approached by Meanmachine coach and recruiting agent Andrew McCullough, after Haihambo starred for Western Suburbs in a first division match against Mariental in September last year.
Suburbs lost the match, but Haihambo had a great game, scoring two tries and making several try-saving tackles, and McCullough contacted him soon after the match to arrange a meeting.
Haihambo had never considered a career as an American football player, but soon warmed to the idea, while his parents also gave their backing after meeting McCullough.
“Andrew came to meet my parents and I, and was very enthusiastic about me. He told my parents why he wanted to recruit me and said I have a future as an American football player. My parents are very supportive in everything I do and agreed to let me go and see how life is in Europe,” he said.
“I am very excited and can’t wait to go and be part of the Meanmachine team. I enjoy contact sports so I don’t think it will be a problem for me to play American football,” he added.
Competition for places will be tough since the Basel Meanmachine team has 60 players from countries like Switzerland, Germany, France, the United States and Mexico on its books, but Brian is confident that he can make an impact.
“I am sure I can make a success of this. All I have to do is catch the ball and run. But I know it won’t be easy – once you have the ball everyone targets you – it’s a physical game and I will have to be prepared to take some hits,” he said.
McCullough has been in telephonic contact with Brian on a daily basis since his return to Switzerland, while Brian is hard at work learning the new plays and tactics.
“I’ve been learning the tactics for a month now – I’ve learnt the team tactics and offensive plays and they have also emailed me a gym and a running training programme,” he added.
Brian will play as a running back or a wide receiver, while he will also be responsible for goal kicking.
“Andrew said I have the running technique of a running back and a wide receiver, but I will also be used as a goal kicker, because those Swiss players can’t kick the ball,” he said.
“Last season I mostly played at fullback for Western Suburbs, so I am used to the kicking game,” he added.
Brian will still have to negotiate a salary with his new club, but his worth to the team has already been made known as he has been insured against injury for 100 000 euros. Brian is now focussed on making a success of his new career, saying it can open a lot of doors in the future.
“I just want to work hard and if I am successful, I could get the opportunity to attend trials in the United States to play professional College Ball,” he said.