It was a fitting farewell for former Brave Warriors midfielder Ricardo Mannetti as 5 000 soccer fans converged at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek on December 30 to see their star don the national colours for the last time.
Mannetti captained the 1998 Brave Warriors side against the current squad in a testimonial match which ended in a 7-7 draw at the Independence Stadium. The match was the first of its kind to be played on Namibian soil.
And to put the lid on a career spanning 15 years, Mannetti scored the third goal for his team in the match.
Final whistle
When the final whistle went off, some fans overcame with emotion, invaded the pitch to hug Mannetti.
The old Brave Warriors squad featured Dax Andjamba, Orlando Haraseb, Tiger Goagoseb, Page Ananias, Phillip Gariseb, Ricardo Mannetti, Robert Nauseb, Quinton Jacobs (guest player), Razundara Tjikuzu, Lollo Goraseb and Mabos Ortmann.
The current Brave Warriors team was made up of Danzyl Bruwer, Richard Gariseb, Franklin April, Michael Pienaar, Brian Brendel, Heini Isaaks, Rudy Louw, Letu Shatimwene, Nelson Akwene, Henrico Botes and Costa Khaiseb.
Biggest moment
Mannetti, who has 70 caps under his belt, said the biggest moment of his career was playing at the African Cup of Nations finals in Burkina Faso in 1998 in the Brave Warriors only appearance at the continental soccer showcase.
â??Playing at the African Cup of Nations finals stands out in my career. The African Cup of Nations finals is a big event and every footballer wants to showcase his talents there. Of course, I have fond memories of winning the league championship with South African side Santos as well as the Absa Cup and BP Top 8 Cup. I will treasure all those memories but now is the time to say goodbye,â? he said.
Mannetti said he would like to come back into the game in an administrative capacity.
â??I have been playing football for a long time and I think my experience will come in handy if I venture into soccer administration. I think I can be of help to the Namibia Football Association. I want to continue to be involved in soccer and there is no way I can just ignore the game,â? said Mannetti.
He paid tribute to all those who have supported him in his career.
â??There are a lot of people who have given me advice in my playing days and I want to thank them. I also want to thank those who have come to support me in the testimonial match. Itâ??s quite moving to see all these people who have come for the occasion,â? he said.
Mannetti played for local side Civics from the age of 16 before joining South African premier league side Santos where he played for seven years.