Windhoek — Cometh the hour, cometh the man - the name Seth 'Mataba' Boois, will always ring a bell in the annals of domestic football.

A former hard-tackling left back with the all-conquering Black Africa outfit in the early 80's, Mataba went from an ordinary barefoot boy in the dusty streets of Orwetoveni in the northern town of Otjiwarongo, to establish himself as an icon of Namibian football.

Unlike many former footballers who constantly disappear from the scene after their playing days are numbered, Mataba wisely ploughed back the experience he gained during his playing days when he encroached on the unthankful domain of football coaching.

The youthful mentor made the doubting Thomases sit up and eat humble pie when he teamed up with former Black Africa's charismatic team manager, Bob Kandetu, to lay the foundation for the Gemengde-based outfit's dominance in domestic knockout cup competitions.

Well vested academically, Mataba authored two well-researched books dealing with the history of the beautiful game locally, past and present. If there is one man who has been there and seen it all - Mataba fits the bill perfectly well. He is one of very few coaches who boast that rare record of picking up a valuable point away from home for traditionally poor travellers, the Brave Warriors, against Zambia's Chipolopolos in the regional COSAFA Castle Cup.

Mataba has served Namibian football at all levels and became the first properly appointed Technical Director of the Namibia Football Association (NFA), whereas his predecessors were handpicked.

New Era Sports would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and wish you the best on your 50th birthday. Please don't despair! Some women like older men, excuse the pun!