Namibia will be sending the best of their young schools' talent in the U/15 age group to the Caf African Schools Football Championship Cosafa qualifiers, scheduled for Zimbabwe from 14 to16 December 2023.
It will be a debut in the zonal qualifiers for the country, after they were absent in the inaugural year in 2022, and there is high hopes they can achieve great things in the 10-nation tournament.
Namibia has a tiny population (2.5 million) in comparison to most African nations, but it continues to excel on the international stage and has booked its place at the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast.
They certainly punch above their weight as a football nation and will have the chance to prove that again in Harare as their teams seek to book a place in the continental finals next year.
The U/15 girls’ coach will be none other than former Namibia international defender and national team coach Uerikondjera Kasaona. The boys’ team tactician is renowned youth development coach Rodney Kaneb.
“The competition is important to the teams because the international tournament will allow players to gain a broader perspective on football and foster a sense of belonging to the global football community,” says Namibia Football Association manager of marketing and communications Cassius Moetie.
“The overall experience will contribute to the personal growth of the players by instilling discipline, commitment, and an increased passion for the sport.
“This competition is also important because interacting with players from diverse backgrounds fosters cultural exchange and promotes a sense of unity among young athletes.”
On a broader level, Moetie emphasises that players can also gain valuable experience on the pitch.
“We are hoping our players will hone their skills and learn new techniques from observing other talented athletes,” he said. “Secondly, we are hoping that when they face challenging opponents, they learn the importance of resilience and determination.”
The draw for the 10-team Caf African Schools Football Championship Cosafa qualifier will be conducted in Harare ahead of the tournament. – Cosafa Media