WINDHOEK
Turkish-based soccer player Razundara Tjikuzu could find himself back in the Brave Warriors squad for the 2008 AFCON finals in Ghana, but only if he apologizes to head coach Ben Bamfuchile.
The Zambian-born coach informed a media briefing yesterday that efforts are being made to locate Tjikuzu but like any other player Tjikuzu has to write a letter of apology and agree to certain terms and conditions before he is included in the side.
Tjikuzu had a fallout with the coach after he and other players were reported to have breached training camp rules in 2006.
Bamfuchile, who did not hide the fact that he was upset and angry with Tjikuzu did however not question the player’s worthy experience and potential which could count a lot for the Warriors.
He added that despite Tjikuzu’s arrogance his presence could boost the young players’ morale.
On the issue of veteran defender George Hummel, the coach said it would be unfair to bring or call back Hummel following his public announcement that he resigned or retired from international football.
Bamfuchile said that the South African-based international, like his countrymen, is required to write an official letter, then perhaps the coach would draft him back into the team.
Bamfuchile is optimistic that skipper Henrico Botes will form part of the team as his suspension by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will be lifted after Namibia’s second match in Ghana.
CAF suspended Botes from playing six AFCON matches after he spat on an Ethiopian player at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
Botes will be eligible for the third match of the group stages and he will continue being the team’s captain when he gets on board.
For the time being, defender Michael Pienaar will continue captaining the team until Botes resumes his rightful role in the national team.
The confident Bamfuchile added that once the Brave Warriors beat their first opponents, the team would have about 80 to 90 percent chance of making the next round.
The Brave Warriors Technical Committee has called up 29 players for the envisaged training camp scheduled for October 4 in the capital.
Bamfuchile urged the local-based players to report for training on October 3 at the Safari Hotel.
The training camp is in preparation for the forthcoming international friendlies against Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
Talks are also under way with individual national soccer associations for possible friendly matches during the FIFA’s International Days for Friendly matches.