WINDHOEK – Hosts Namibia open their assault in the 5-day Four Nations Youth Cup against traditional rivals South Africa when the biannual 5-day Under-17 tourney gets underway in earnest at the spacious Swakopmund Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Other participating countries are Ghana and defending champions, the Westphalia regional side, while Baby Warriors mentor Turi Upi, has assembled a fairly strong 20-member for the youth spectacle. During Friday’s media briefing, tourney director Roger Daltrey Kambatuku said the Ghanaians will arrive in Windhoek later today, while South Africa will fly directly from Johannesburg to Walvis Bay also today. Westphalia already arrived in Namibia last Thursday. The biannual youth competition is organised by the portfolio ministry in conjunction with the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and forms part of the Namibia-Germany bilateral sports agreement. The local lads will travel to Westphalia, Germany to compete in international youth tourneys in that country against formidable opponents as part of the agreement. Upi in consultation with his assistant, Timo Tjongarero selected the 20 players from a large pool of 30 youngsters, who competed in the inaugural edition of the newly introduced annual Skorpion Zinc Youth Cup in Keetmanshoop last year. The aim of the tournament is to expose Namibia’s Under-17 footballers to top international football and to fast-track the development of football by playing high quality matches. Meanwhile, the ministry plans to conclude agreements with South Africa and Ghana after the touney in order to work together in sport. The agreement entails sending the Namibian Under-17s to train in South Africa and Ghana and to play matches, as well as sending Under-17 coaches to receive training.
The squad reads as folows: Donovan Gainub, Welcome Neil, Baloyi Standib, Collin Amukwaya, Johannes Kwedhi, Mervin Somaeb, Ujama Hangero, Katjikumbwa Mberirua, Jürgen van der Byl, Pandeni Kandjabanga, Likius Nghitumu, Manchester United McGyver , Katiti Hakuria, Ukaurua Mungendje, Wisely Kauua, Hatani Geingob, Renanso Willemse, Hiha Katjivena, Jandja Maharero and Hezeeko Katjiukua.
By Carlos Kambaekwa