By Otniel Hembapu
WINDHOEK – Brave Warriors mentor Ricardo Mannetti has vowed to leave no stone unturned in his bid to steer Namibia back to winning ways, when they lock horns with Congo-Brazzaville in the 2nd leg of their 2015 CAF Nations Cup qualifier in Pointe-Noire in just over a week.
The Warriors redeemed themselves with a 1-0 victory over Congo in Windhoek last Saturday as they kicked off their 2015 CAF Nations Cup campaign and Mannetti is promising to build on that achievement when they visit Congo. According to him no changes are in the pipeline for the squad that played Congo last weekend, but he will be adding veteran striker Henrico Botes to the travelling entourage, a positive move that could place a different complexion on the proceedings in Pointe-Noire. The experienced goal-poacher missed the 1st leg due to an assortment of minor, but nagging injuries, Mannetti said. But with Congo still nursing their wounds from last weekend’s defeat at the hands of the young and determined Namibian squad, they will no doubt be out to settle scores with a comprehensive win if they are to keep their hopes alive for qualification to Africa’s biggest football showpiece. But Mannettii says he is well aware of what to expect in Pointe-Noire and intends to make the situation even more difficult for the home team.
“We are under pressure to secure a victory over there (Congo), but they are under even greater pressure than us, because they lost here in Windhoek and cannot afford to lose in their own backyard. So, all we have to do is go out there play our game to the best of our abilities and make sure we worsen their situation with a victory,” adds Mannetti.
Meanwhile, the Namibia Football Association (NFA) announced that they are in advanced negotiations with Air Namibia for a 100-seater chartered aircraft to take along more than 70 fans to the decisive return leg of the Warriors in Congo.
Travelling costs will be communicated in due cause.