Greater things to come for Papama: Kanalelo

POLOKWANE, 02 JUN  – Brave Warriors assistant coach and University of Namibia (UNAM) Football Club head coach Ronny Kanalelo says greater things are to come for Marcel Papama following his nomination for two Namibia Premier League awards.
Papama was nominated for the Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season awards, but lost out to Panduleni Nekundi of African Stars and Black Africa’s Dynamo Fredericks respectively during Friday’s awards ceremony.
Speaking to Nampa here on Saturday, Kanalelo said it was not surprising to him or the UNAM followers that he had done so well.
He said people started taking note of Papama in the last six to eight matches and during the Debmarine Namibia Cup.
“But he has always been performing well for us. We had to change him from a wide left player to central midfielder and he gave us results,” said Kanalelo.
He added that the youngster still has a lot to learn, but has the potential to become one of the best players in Namibia.
“He is aggressive and has a high work rate. We used him in central midfield during the Otji Festival tournament and we saw what he has to offer. He gives us options – either wide or central defence,” he said.
Kanalelo, who coaches Papama at club level, said as long as he takes care of his body, he can play top level football for the next 10 to 12 years.
The stocky UNAM player is currently in Polokwane with the national team, where they are participating in the 2018 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Cup.
Papama was gracious in his defeat, saying just being nominated was a victory for him.
He told this news agency the nomination has taught him a lot and he knows that hard work will reward him in the near future.
“It is my first full season in the top flight and I was in the mix with the big boys. I am happy with what I achieved this season and I know great things are yet to come for me. I congratulate my fellow national team players,” he said.

NAMPA