Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin yesterday named 40 players to join the training squad in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Afcon qualifiers.
Namibia will play back-to-back matches against Cameroon on 24 and 28 March.
Announcing his players at a media conference, Benjamin said he selected the players not only on experience but he was looking at players who are willing to give their all.
“I strongly believe that it’s not about a young or old player. I still think that what we need right now as a nation is energy. I think with that we are not going to outplay any opponent but we can outwork any opponent. We are looking for players who are basically going above their boundaries, players who have talent and putting it in the team, and these young players, we believe, deserve a chance,” he said.
Training will commence this Friday at Football House in Katutura with players plying their trade in the local leagues. Those playing abroad will join the team the following week.
The squad boasts a mixture of upcoming and experienced players in the likes of Peter Shalulile, Absalom Iimbondi, Deon Hotto, Ryan Nyambe, Loydt Kazapua, Riaan Hanamub, Charles Hambira, Ananias Gebhardt, Ivan Kamberipa and Dynamo Fredericks.
New faces include Eliakim Jadson, Johannes Shifafure, Erwin Tjiuja, Simon Elago, Stoffel Witbeen, Nehemia Ndengu, Junior Petrus, Devin Somseb and Nelly Rooi.
Some prolific players who didn’t make the squad include Wangu Gome, Petrus Shitembi and Awilo Stephanus.
Benjamin, a former Warriors captain, said he is looking at players who can bring something different to the table.
“Willy (Awilo) has been there and he knows what it takes but at the moment we need industrious players. At the moment, it will take all 11 in attack and all 11 in defence. I think the decision now is on who we think is bringing that energy.
“We are playing against Cameroon and chances are that we are not going to have the ball most of the time but mentally, we must be there,” he said.
The squad: Loydt Kazapua, Edward Maova, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Mervin Kazetura, Nelly Rooi, Ryan Nyambe, Ivan Kamberipa, Johannes Shifafure, Steven Damaseb, Kennedy Amutenya, Charles Hambira, Denzel Haoseb, Gianluca Kahingunga, Annanias Gebhardt, Riaan Hanamub, Nalikewe Nalweendo, Brandon Naibeb, Reverend Matroos, Devin Somseb, Ngero Kaanjuka Katua, Dynamo Fredericks, Prins Menelik Tjiueza, Simon Elago, Paulus Amutenya, Marcel Papama, Uetuuro Kambato Absalom Iimbondi, Joslin Kamatuka, Nehemia Ndegu, Peter Shalilule, Bethuel Muzue, Elmo Kambindu Junior Petrus, Michelino Hei-Gauseb, Deon Hotto, Wendell Rudath, Edmar Kamatuka, Erwin Tjiuja, Eliakim Jadson and Stoffel Witbeen.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na