Hesron Kapanga

Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin said Malawi, their opponents in the upcoming International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup qualifiers, is a good team and should not be underestimated.

Namibia is scheduled to play Malawi and São Tomé and Príncipe at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on 5 and 9 September 2025.

In an interview with Nampa on Wednesday, Benjamin said Malawi, whom they will face first in the qualifiers next month, is not an easy team.

 Therefore, Namibia will not take the match lightly.

“In the last qualifier match in Tunisia, Malawi lost to Tunis, mainly because they got a red card. It was two or three minutes before the end of the game. So, they are really a quality side that can handle pressure. 

“Additionally, if you look at COSAFA, they also adapted to whatever formation and approach we employed. So, that means coach Passu (Callisto Pasuwa) is doing a good job,” he said.

Benjamin added that the Malawian team is physical and good on the ball but expressed confidence that his team is stable.

“It’s basically controlling, having possession and creating the chances that will be key for us to win that match,” he said.

 He said that having fans at the stadium will play a major role.

The coach urged Namibian football fans to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the government to travel to Botswana in buses and support the team.

He said that having fans cheering will be great for morale and accountability.

“Just the pride of our players to know that we, as a nation, are behind them. I also know that the government is providing buses in support of the players. It’s an important game. That’s the least we can do to truly support these boys. And we really look forward to having a few Namibians there,” said Benjamin.