Former Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey, who is in the country on a business trip, has identified talent in Namibian football and stated that some players would have the potential to thrive in Europe. Bailey made the remarks during a Katutura derby over the weekend.

Gary Bailey got a first sense of Namibian football in Pioneers Park at the Unam Stadium over the weekend and was greeted by vibrant fans of Black Africa & African Stars in a goals galore Katutura derby.

45 minutes of the Debmarine Namibia Premiership was all the former Manchester United shot stopper needed to give his judgement on the level of topflight football in the country.

Bailey stated that football in Namibia is not yet where it should be but that the talent is apparent.

He noted that Namibian players should continue plying their trade in South Africa, which will give them an easier ticket to play in some of Europe's best leagues, such as the English Premier League.

He also praised local coaches for nurturing raw talent, adding that they need support from the corporate world and the government to successfully run academies.

The current Namibian players playing in the South African Premier Soccer League are Peter Shalulie, Deon Hotto, Riaan Hanamub, Virgil Vries, Loyd Kazapua & Elmo Kambindu.

In 2023, players from Southern Africa who are playing in the English Premier League include Zambian striker Patson Daka & two Zimbabweans, Marvelous Nakamba & Enock Mwepu.