Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin has named a 30-man squad in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Namibia will face Malawi and Equatorial Guinea.

The Warriors are set to take on Malawi on the 20th, followed by a crucial clash against Equatorial Guinea three days later. These matches are crucial for Namibia who aim to collect maximum points to boost their chances of securing a historic World Cup spot.

Namibia currently sits in second place in Group H with eight points, trailing log leaders Tunisia by two points. Liberia follows in third with seven points, while Malawi (six points) and Equatorial Guinea (three points) occupy the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Sao Tomé anchor the group with zero points.

Benjamin’s squad consist of key regulars, such as goalkeeper Loydt Kazapua, defender Ivan Kamberipa, midfielders Approcius Petrus and Deon Hotto, and skipper Peter Shalulile.

The coach has also recalled some seasoned players who have not featured in recent games, including Jwaneng Galaxy’s Dynamo Fredericks, Wiseman Lifasi of Julinho Athletic, and Penda Monghudi at Young African as well as current Debmarine premiership top goal scorer Mbakondja Tjahikika, to strengthen the squad for these decisive fixtures.

However, some notable absentees include Cape Town City’s Prins Tjiueza, Chula Chula’s playmaker Lawrance Doeseb, and Marumo Gallants’ Rewaldo Prins, who have all been dropped from the squad for unexplained reasons.

Reacting to the news yesterday, veteran journalist Carlos Kambaekwa said he believes the squad is well balanced and can do the job. 

“It’s a balanced team with so many experienced players who have played at that level before. I believe this is the right squad to guarantee victory in both ties,” he said. 

Full squad list

Goalkeepers: Loydt Kazapua, Edward Maova, Kamaijanda Ndisiro

Defenders: Ivan Kamberipa, Sergio Damaseb, Charles Hambira, Ngero Katua, Tuhafeni David, Tyrese Hikupembe, Johannes Mutanga, Bonifasius Josef, Welwin Hanamub and Sisqo Haraseb. 

Midfielders: Approcius Petrus, Moses Shidolo, Deon Hotto, Mbakondja Tjahikika, Penda Monghudi, Leevi Alfeus, Dynamo Fredericks

Forwards; Peter Shalulile, Bethuel Muzeu, Elmo Kambindu, Wiseman Lifasi, Willy Stephanus and Joslin Kamatuka

mkambukwe@nepc.com.na