Let the truth be told, many people, including the pot-blooded self-styled keyboard pundits never gave the Brave Warriors the slightest chance to win a single match at the ongoing Afcon finals in Ivory Coast, let alone reach the knockout stage of the continental flagship showpiece.
Without beating about the bush, Colin Benjamin deserves a huge pat on the back and he must be applauded for using his professional experience gained over several years in the highly competitive Bundesliga to conjure success for the Brave Warriors.
The former Brave Warriors and Hamburg SC winger has raised the standards and confidence of Namibia’s treasured national asset within a very short time. He has also set the bar high for other coaches as modern football dynamics dictate that everything is all about setting and maintaining standards.
Theoretically, Namibia entered the continental showpiece ranked number 27, only to leapfrog to 16th position by qualifying for the knockout stage of the 2023 Afcon. This is certainly no mean feat.
The rejuvenated Warriors started their campaign in Africa’s football bonanza like a house on fire, sending continental powerhouse Tunisia packing with their tails tucked firmly between their legs.
However, for some strange reason, the fired-up Warriors stumbled against big brother South Africa’s Bafana Bafana capitulating to an embarrassing 4-0 defeat. Nevertheless, the boys picked themselves up admirably and lived up to their moniker, ‘The Brave Warriors,’ stretching group leaders Mali to the limit in an electrifying match where no quarter was asked or given.
The gutsy Warriors fashioned an astonishing goalless (0-0) stalemate against their more fancied opponents and the result paved the way for Namibia to get past the group stage following three failed attempts in its maiden appearance in 1998, then in 2008, and 2019. All credit goes to Collin Benjamin and his technical team for their tactical acumen.
Benjamin made a few crucial tactical and personnel changes to the usual starting lineup that bore fruit. In-form club-less fullback Ivan Kamberipa was drafted in with the slugging Ryan Simasiku Nyambe shifting to the substitutes’ bench. Diminutive playmaker Ngero Katua-Kaanjuka replaced veteran midfielder Petrus ‘Dancing Shoes’ Shitembi in the middle of the park, while Absalom Iimbondi made way for goal-hungry, hard-working Bethuel Muzeu.
Admittedly, Riaan Hanamub is growing into a real gem in the team. The boy has been an absolute marvel to watch as he is confident with the ball at his feet, brilliant going forward, solid in defence, and a phenomenal athlete.
Did I hear the keyboard warriors chastising Peter “Pikes” Shalulile for an apparent lukewarm performance?
If you know football, it will make you understand that Mamelodi Sundowns play a different ball game with lots of emphasis on ball possession. He is surrounded by very good ball players, something that is very much in short supply in the current Brave Warriors squad.
Our defence played well under pressure but will have to be a more careful and not give away too many unnecessary fouls in dangerous areas. Overall, the Warriors certainly delivered a great performance against top-ranked nations. Next stop: Angola. I still believe the Warriors have what it takes to navigate their way past the Palanca Negras.
Before signing off, Yours Truly sincerely hopes and trusts those dozing men in blue suits wandering casually in the comfortable chambers of our law-making house and corporate businesses will wake up from their slumber land and start taking sport seriously, pumping more money into sport if we are to be counted among the very best on the African continent.
Truly speaking, we should be ashamed of ourselves. For a country with so much potential and massive riches in minerals, no proper football stadium, and no professional league, something doesn’t add up.
This is exactly what happens when the fundamentals are not properly constructed. I rest my case.