Britz calls up U/20 preliminary squad 

Britz calls up U/20 preliminary squad 

Limba Mupetami

The junior national men’s team, affectionately known as the Young Warriors, will gather for a week-long training camp at Football House in Katutura, Windhoek, starting today. 

The camp marks a crucial phase in the team’s preparation for the U/20 Cosafa Cup, which will take place in Durban, South Africa in September. This competition will also serve as a qualifier for the U/20 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for February 2025 at a yet-to-be-determined venue.

Head coach James Britz expressed optimism and determination regarding the upcoming competitions. 

“We are hoping to qualify for the second time for the youth continental showpiece, and preparations are key,” he said. 

“I will have a week to look at the players. Most of them were selected at the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup held in Gobabis earlier this year, and the focus of the training camp is to analyse the players and trim the squad to 30 players for the official training camp, which will be held in August 2024”.

Britz emphasised the importance of thorough preparations, and the need for an extended training period in future. 

The selection of players from the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup highlights the team’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent from local competitions. 

This approach aims to build a strong and competitive squad capable of excelling in both regional and continental tournaments.

The Young Warriors have a bright future ahead. As they embark on this training camp, the team and coaching staff are focused on honing their skills, building team cohesion and setting the stage for a successful run in the U/20 Cosafa Cup and beyond.

List of players

Nalumino Musweu, Jordinho Isaaks, Puis Haingura, Robert Hihepa, Florendino Gurirab, Maurizio January, Jurgen Jona, Bigley Gamibeb, Ivan Hoeb, Godwin Beukes, Denzel Umati, Eugene Frederick, Jonas Parata, Diesho Engelberth, Lucas Mbamba, Richard Hausiku, John Kamalunga, Jerome Useb, Sacha Rusberg, Engilio Goagoseb, Punaye Vita, Micheal Jonas, Karim Kabendji, Tuhafeni Ngushi, Ngahape Kasoana, Punaye Katjimune, Branco Rukoro, Kaeno Kenamuinjo, Sion Shatilwapo, Uairira Kandorozu, Kavaripura Tjambeni, Hamukwaya Theofelus, Ngatukunike Muharukua, Eitaalo Shapumba, Tulonga Petrus, Ignatius Mwayanale, Hensley Ndyenge, Materere Kavari, Adriano Gawab, Omar Arend, Naftal Katangolo, Ngarune Hambeka, Nicolas Deckenbrock, Antonius Guiseb, Tjinatso Kakuenje, Namayambona Matengu, Mcheni Kavendjii and Rodriques Ganeb.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na