Brave Warriors head coach, Collin Benjamin, announced his 33-man local-based provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA series tournament taking place in Kazakhstan during the March and April international window.
The series is an invitational tournament promoted by the world football governing body FIFA and features friendly matches between national teams from different confederations.
Introduced as a competitive international friendly format, this series brings together Namibia, Kuwait, Comoros, and hosts Kazakhstan in one group to compete in friendly matches.
Speaking at the press conference, Benjamin said Namibia has the privilege to participate in the series, which will hopefully unlock development for players and coaches by competing against other confederations outside Africa.
“When was Namibia going to have the opportunity to compete against European or Asian opposition? We have been trying to qualify for the World Cup, and we keep on trying, but the FIFA series is the possibility of us developing that potential. We are thankful and will make use of this opportunity,” Benjamin said.
According to the head coach, 2026 will be quite a busy year for the Brave Warriors, as they look forward to not only the FIFA series, but the Council of Southern African Football (COSAFA) Cup and 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which will be at least 12 matches in total.
“With these matches coming up, it is important for us to start with professional preparations. We are thankful for the Premier League, which gives our young people the platform and for us to identify players that we will be calling up for the training camp,” he said.
The provisional squad of locally based players are players seen to have the required potential to move and represent the country and go further.
The technical team will thoroughly evaluate the called-up players during training camp and determine how to fit the 33 players into the group of foreign-based players.
“We are going to look at their ambition and mentality. We need bravery, discipline, and unity,” Benjamin described.
The squad is expected to arrive in Windhoek on Sunday at 18h00, with training starting the following Monday, 9 February, at 08h00 at Independence Stadium.
-hnalupe@nepc.com.na
Provisional squad
1. Jonas Mateus – FC Ongos
2. Mervin Kasetura – African Stars FC
3. Sergio Damaseb – Mighty Gunners FC
4. Vetunuvai Hambira – African Stars FC
5. Tuhafeni David – Blue Waters FC
6. Deacon Kakuenje – Young African FC
7. Arend Aboubakir – Blue Waters FC
8. Mattias Ndaudako – Eleven Arrows FC
9. Simeon Ekandjo – Unam FC
10. David Aingwafa – Eeshoke Chula Chula FC
11. Edmar Kamatuka – African Stars FC
12. Paulus Ileni Amutenya – UNAM FC
13. Elias Hambongo – KK Palace FC
14. Okeri Nguarambuka – African Stars FC
15. Rikambura Muundjua – African Stars FC
16. Laurence Doeseb – African Stars FC
17. Simon Nambondi – Mighty Gunners FC
18. Dwain Kinda – FC Ongos
19. Festus Petrus – Eeshoke Chula Chula FC
20. Ben Namib – Nampol FC
21. Junior Petrus – Blue Waters FC
22. Sam Ndahangwapo – Blue Waters FC
23. Victor Shimwetheleni – Tigers FC
24. Barnand Horaseb – Mighty Gunners FC
25. Wendell Rudath – African Stars FC
26. Givanne Cruz – Bucks Bucaneers FC
27. Simon Elago – FC Ongos
28. Stoffel Witbeen – Okahandja Utd
29. Nestor Iiyambo – Unam FC
30. Nyambe Oscar – Rundu Chiefs FC
31. Hans Mashiku – Mighty Gunners FC
32. George Marselino – Blue Waters FC
33. Wise Lifasi – Eeshoke Chula Chula FC