Brave Warriors head coach, Collin Benjamin, has described the retirement of Warriors solid defender from the national team as a sad day for Namibian football but acknowledged the retirement and praised Gebhardt for his dedication to the team and the discipline he displayed on and off the pitch.
“Thirteen (13) years of playing football on the national front is commendable, I want to thank him for putting his legs, knees, ankles, and his head on the block for Namibia as a hard tackling defender.
Gebhardt was part of the team that placed Namibia on the map by winning the COSAFA in 2015 and taking the team to their second AFCON appearance in 2019 and recently being a key player in seeing Namibia reach the round of 16 at the 2024 AFCON edition.
We are extremely proud of him and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Benjamin.
Gebhardt hung up his international boots on Thursday, 16 May 2024 after a long career spanning over 13 years, where he earned 105 caps.
“We are over- achievers and I’m extremely proud to be part of the special crop of players who have done so much for the Braves. My first call up was in July 2011, and the journey since than has been nothing short of amazing.
“I feel like now is the right time to make that call, I want to keep the body as healthy as possible. I sustained a hamstring before AFCON and that was most probably the first sign”.
Weighing on the retirement, Gebhardt explained that the thought has always been at the back of his head, and it was just a moment of when.
“I have already communicated to a few of the players before and AFCON that this will probably be the last time they see me on national duty”.
Gebhardt will continue to play for 1st Division side, Baroka FC in South Africa.
Namibian footballers and the rest of the nation took to Instagram to wish Gebhardt well
@ananias_gebhardt I am Inspired by your discipline professionalism and commitment you have given to this game AG3. Really honoured to have donned the national team jersey with you. You have done exceptionally well in serving the country for over a decade. May God bless you Ananias Gebhardt⭐️❤️🙌🏻
Before you retire let me hold a signed kit 👏😂
Happy retirement bro!
Ekse Spakalylyle @ananias_gebhardt ..daai wat Jy my altyd gese het ‘’Ons Jaag hulle’’ Dankie Skipper✊🏽❤️💡
Happy retirement brother 🫡🇳🇦❤️
Danki vir alles Juvisto🌟❤️🙏🏽
Appreciate you big bro. Happy retirement grootman❤️
Happy retirement Soldat 🫡 ❤️🙏🏾
Thank you so much for representing the Land of the Brave 🇳🇦 so proudly warrior. Happy retirement. 🙏
Skoko saam.. together from the very beginning, I could write a book! You’ve been immense and truly served your nation with distinction. Happy retirement ja. Testimonial in Bora Bora. Love ❤️
AG3 ✨❤️🇳🇦 Blue lounge 🫡 Salute ma se kind🫡
Happy retirement my Ma Se Kind.
❤️My soldier 🫡 G
Brother Cheches, I don’t have words but all i can say is i enjoyed every single moment we shared the stage at the highest level representing our beloved braves…. happy retirement Choechoes😢❤️😂..