Zambia and Namibia Mourn Ben Bamfuchile

Ben Bamfuchile was laid to rest in Zambia today, attracting a crowd of around 5,000. The Zambian soccer coach had been scheduled to lead Namibia into the African Cup of Nations this month until health forced him to resign in early December, and he later passed away in his home country on December 27th, 2007. The type of illness was undefined and I suspect that’s the way he and his family wanted it, so we’ll leave it at that.

“Big Ben” which is a great nickname was only 47 years old, but a highly respected African coach who had successfully led Namibia to African Cup of Nations 2008 qualification, only the second time the team have made it to the tournament. The 2008 AFCON would have been Bamfuchile’s second as a head coach, having also guided Zambia through qualification to the 1998 tournament.

Bamfuchile had a close relationship with the Namibian FA, with NFA Secreatry General Barry Ruroko remembering Bamfuchile’s work fondly: “We witnessed first-hand Ben’s passion for sharing his vast pool of African football experience as he inculcated the desire and hunger for qualification to the African Cup of Nations and the need to make that a habit in the youthful Warriors team.”

Bamfuchile has been replaced by Dutchman Arie Schan, who had a tough first game in charge against African Cup of Nations holders Egypt. Namibia lost 3-0, but hopefully The Brave Warriors will be inspired by Bamfuchile’s memory and put in a proud performance when their African Cup of Nations campaign kicks off against Morocco in Accra on January 21st.

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