The Brave Warriors of Namibia are strapping on their boots and gearing up for a battles of epic proportions in Group J of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
Their first test is a showdown against the indomitable five-time champions Cameroon on 7 September, followed by a clash with Kenya on the 10th.
The Warriors have been drawn into a group that is as challenging as it is thrilling, pitting them also against Zimbabwe, with the two back matches scheduled for 7 and 15 October in the quest to punch their ticket to the 2025 Afcon.
With stakes this high, the heat is on, and the Warriors are feeling the burn – but in the best way possible.
At yesterday’s training session, team manager Gerros Urikhob exuded confidence, reporting that the training camp has seen a great turnout.
With most of the local-based players already in the mix, he assured that the squad is on track, and set to jet off on 1 September.
When pressed about the formidable opponents lying in wait, the former sharpshooter did not flinch.
“The technical team is ready with their arsenal to stop any threat coming our way in our quest to qualify,” he declared.
Defender Kennedy Amutenya, a pillar of the team’s backline, shared that the Warriors have been in training for nearly three days – and if intensity were currency, the Warriors would be rolling in it.
“The intensity is high, and we are injury-free so far,” he shared.
He added: With a hunger that could only be described as ferocious, the players are raring to go, and eager to collect maximum points.
Head coach Collin Benjamin also weighed in on the challenge ahead, his voice tinged with excitement.
“The group we’re competing in is exciting, with great prospects,” he said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
He and his technical team are keen to assess how the players have grown and matured on the field, a process that will be crucial as they prepare to face their formidable foes.
As the Afcon qualifiers loom, a total of 48 African nations are sharpening their swords, each one aiming to stake their claim on the 35th edition of the biennial African showpiece.
The goal is to dethrone Cote d’Ivoire, the reigning continental king under the leadership of coach Emerse Fae.
The Warriors etched their names into history earlier this year when they stormed into the Round of 16 in Cote d’Ivoire.
Now, the burning question is whether they can challenge themselves to go even further.
The qualifiers are set to kick off in September 2024, and will wrap up in November 2024, leaving little room for error as teams battle for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
The main event, slated for 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, will see the best of the best compete for African football supremacy.
The top two teams from each of the 11 groups, excluding hosts Morocco, will secure their places in the competition.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na
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