National men’s football team fitness coach, Garren Smith, expressed his satisfaction with the players’ fitness as they prepare for the highly anticipated fixture against Burundi.
However, he believes there is still much work to be done.
The Brave Warriors, as the national men’s football team is affectionately known, are currently in training for their crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Burundi in Tanzania.
They are also gearing up for the Cosafa Cup, which has been rescheduled to July this year.
Speaking to New Era Sport during the team’s session at Independence Stadium yesterday, Smith highlighted the positive progress made thus far.
He noted that they have a mix of local and international players available for training.
This week, their main focus is to establish a solid foundation and further enhance the players’ fitness.
“Overall, I am satisfied with the players’ reactions. Although there are one or two players who require assistance with minor injuries, I am not worried. It’s still early days, the team spirit is high, and we are open to improvements in every aspect,” Smith stated.
He emphasised the importance of having both local and international players training together, as it boosts team morale.
“It’s beneficial to have all our players training together, especially for the local players. The younger players look up to those who play abroad, which gives them something to strive for, particularly players like Ryan and Peter,” he explained.
During preparations, Paulus Amutenya, who received his second senior call-up, shared his excitement about the training sessions.
He highlighted how training alongside international players motivates everyone on the team to perform well.
“It is thrilling to be in the camp. Training is going smoothly with all the players present. It is particularly motivating for the local players to train alongside professional players. It gives us a reason to work hard and prove ourselves,” Amutenya shared.
The Warriors currently sit atop Group C with five points, followed by powerhouse Cameroon with four points and Burundi with one point.
A victory or a draw will secure a place for Namibia at the 2023 Afcon finals in Ivory Coast.
The full squad:
Goalkeepers – Edward Maova, Ndisiro Kamaijanda, Jonas Mateus and Nelly Rooi.
Defenders – Ryan Nyambe, Ivan Kamberipa, Arend Aboubakir and Steven Damaseb, Kennedy Amutenya, Given Mutuezu, Denzel Haoseb, Gianluca Kahingunga, Annanias Gebhardt, Riaan Hanamub, Nalikewe Nalweendo and Aprocious Petrus.
Midfielders – Reverend Matroos, Devin Somseb and Lawrence Doeseb, Ngero Katua, Dynamo Fredericks, Prinz Tjiueza, Nicodemus Haikali, Paulus Amutenya, Marcel Papama and Uetuuro Kambato.
Forwards – Absalom Iimbondi, Joslyn Kamatuka, Peter Shalulile, Bethuel Muzeu, Elmo Kambindu, Junior Petrus, Deon Hotto, Wendell Rudath, Edmar Kamatuka, Erwin Tjiuju and Eliakim Jadsson.