Otniel Hembapu
Namibia’s Young Warriors’ gaffer James Britz yesterday announced his final 20-man squad for the upcoming Cosafa U/20 Cup, which will see the local youngsters battling it against the likes of Comoros and South Africa in Group C.
The regional youth tournament will kick off tomorrow in Eswatini, and end on 16 October.
Britz has indicated that he and his charges plan to go as far as possible in this year’s competition.
The squad comprises promising strikers such as Ovazeu Mbangura and Alberto van Wyk as well as young, industrious midfielders Lawrence Doeseb, Stern Raymonzo, Ritatumisa Gertze and Prins Riewaldo all in the battlefront.
In 2020, Namibia narrowly missed out on winning the regional championship when they lost 0-1 to Mozambique in the final, which was a disappointing end to a fabulous tournament for the Young Warriors.
They had qualified for the knockout rounds as the best-placed runner-up after wins over Malawi (2-1) and Comoros (1-0), and a defeat to Zambia (0-1) in their pool.
That set up a semi-final with the more fancied Angola, but Namibia eased to a 1-0 win and booked a final spot but ultimately, fell short against the Young Mambas of Mozambique in the decider.
But Britz remains adamant they have what it takes to go one step further this year and possibly win the trophy.
“Last time we took part in the competition, we did well. But I believe if we give out the same energy this time again, we are likely to reach the final and maybe even win the title. The team is solid, and comprises different players who are all skilled and gifted in their own special ways. I believe we can take this to the next level.”
Namibia were also in many ways the surprise package of the 2010 Cosafa Cup, making it all the way to the final before losing out to Zambia. It counts amongst their best-ever results at the tournament, including last year’s performance, which earned them a place at the 2021 U/20 Africa Cup of Nations.
This year’s tournament will also act as a zonal qualifier for the 2023 U/20 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Egypt from 14 February to 6 March, with the two finalists of this year’s Cosafa U/20 set to advance to the continental showpiece.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Nelly Rooi and Boipelo Pieters. Defenders: Gustaf Kaeka, Kavehungua Kavita, Rouein Tjihumba, Mark Adams, Joseph Brazzy, Toromba Tuzuvirua and Romeo Amon. Midfielders: Eugene Fredericks, Raymonzo Stern, Ritatumisa Gertze, Riewaldo Prins, Lawrence Doeseb, Sakaria Samuel, Kalaluka Kalumbekwa and Denzil Uumati. Strikers: Ovazeu Mbangura, John Araeb and Alberto van Wyk.