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Tjiueza to Sundowns: Money or game-time?

The emergence of Mamelodi Sundowns at the forefront of securing rising star Prins Menelik Tjiueza has ignited widespread interest and debate around the Namibian's next move.

Tjiueza – who only recently turned 21 – is currently his football for KF Liria Prizren in Kosovo but is definite to move at the end of the season with rumours suggesting he has already signed for Sundowns.

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He was meant to have gone to Maritzburg United while Ernst Middendorp was still in charge at the after being tracked from the COSAFA Under-17 tournament won by Namibia and the AFCON Under-20.

There was also a proposed move to USA but with Rulani Mokwena having been spotted at Dobsonville Stadium with people said to be Tjiueza's family it adds sparks to the speculation of a move to Sundowns.

KickOff.com has since touched base with Collin Benjamin, Namibia's national team coach.

Prins Menelik Tjiueza

"The speculation shouldn't be taken to heart but all I know is that he has potential and is a good player.

"He will grow to become a very good player so if he is able to even move and better himself as a player and a person for us and for me as the national team that can only be good for us as a country.

"When there is progress, I'm for it and we are for it, and we are happy to declare that we wish him all the best.

"I hope the people around him and the people around him make the right decision because that is how we as a nation can grow.

Prins Menelik Tjiueza

"I think the development of the player is definitely at the forefront and I think at the moment for him after just turning 21, it is important that he keeps playing.

"Only through playing will he get better.

"I think for his team around him, and the people close to him it is always best to look at his development and game time in helping him get better in whatever decision they make.

"Staying at the forefront will help him better even in terms of then earning good money.

"At the same time, he has a family and has to take care of them, so they have to make the right decisions," says Benjamin while giving insight on the rising star who started both recent AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon.

Prins Menelik Tjiueza

"Namibia is relatively a small country in terms of numbers (2,5 million) despite being huge in size, so I have known him since the Under-17 that they won in Mauritius which was around the time that I came back from Germany.

"So, that group of boys was basically the ones that we were saying would carry the team.

"It was around that time that I got to know about him, and I know the coaches that have worked with him before.

"He has been through the ranks of the national teams, and I took interest in him after I was roped into the national team by Ricardo Mannetti as a second assistant.

Prins Tjiueza

"The one thing about him that is obvious is that he is a very talented boy who is also intelligent with a big heart.

"So, he has been one of those that you see have talent.

"And of course, talent without work doesn't mean anything but then with that boy he works.

"Remember, here in Namibia we didn't have any soccer for three years, but he took it upon himself to go to a country like Kosovo to look for his bread.

"That for me, is character and is why I can safely say he is not only all talent and no work but has blended both with the plus of a good mentality.

"He is definitely on a good path if he keeps a good head on his shoulders," says Benjamin.

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