… Warriors out to end campaign on a high
WINDHOEK – Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti says he is determined to end Namibia’s failed campaign in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on a high note when he takes a hugely depleted squad to Kenya for their final match against the Harambee Stars at the national stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.
The Warriors will be without a significant number of key players who will miss the trip to the east African country through an assortment of injuries and suspension.
Manneti’s wounded soldiers knuckled down to some serious business as they resumed training at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium yesterday. The former Brave Warrriors and Santos midfield workaholic expressed confidence with the 24-member squad at his disposal saying preparations for the second leg tie are near being complete.
With pride at stake, the Warriors will be out to repeat their 1997 heroics on their happy hunting ground where they defeated the Harambee Stars 1-0 through Gerros Uri-Khob’s thunderbolt to put the Warriors on the way to their maiden appearance at the 1998 African Nations Cup (AFCON) finals in Burkina Faso. The Warriors went on to beat Gabon in their subsequent decisive qualifier with an identical scoreline via Congo Hindjou’s spotkick.
Both Mannetti and his righthand man Ronny Kanalelo were valuable members of that all-conquering squad that shocked the vociferous Kenyans with the Magnet playing a crucial role as he thwarted the beanpole Kenyans time and again with breathtaking saves on that historic Saturday afternoon in sunny Nairobi.
“I have trust and confidence in the current crop of players which is going to show that we do have depth in our midst because this bunch of footballers have certainly raised their hands and are a sure bet to rise to the big occasion. It was always going to be a difficult decision to leave out some players and bring in others but finally I have this group whom I trust will be able to aquaint themselves well under trying circumstances,” boasted Mannetti.
He added that some of his foreign legion are not part of the travelling entourage as a result of injuries and suspensions but was quick to add that their exclusion does not mean they won’t be considered for future games.
“They are part and parcel of the national team set-up and when they are available for selection, we will assist them and try to bring them back gradually, but for us now is to finish the year on a high in these highly competitive matches and then see how we do in friendlies.”
The team departs for Nairobi on Thursday. Perched in 3rd spot on 5 points in the 4-nation Group F, the Warriors will be vying for 2nd place in the hope that group leaders Nigeria defeat Malawi in their decisive final match in Nigeria on Sunday, although still playing only for pride.
Namibia will go into the match with their tails up after having the better of the Kenyans in the first leg in Windhoek earlier this year while they will also be boosted by the fact they already tasted victory against the Harambee Stars at the same venue 16 years ago, to be preccise.
The following 24 members are currently in training camp where the squad will be trimmed down to a managable 18. Efraim Tjihonge, Virgil Vries, Max Mbaeva, Larry Horaeb, Chris Katjiukua, Riaan Cloete, Dudes Mwedihanga, Pineas Jacob, Sadney Uri-Khob, Da Costa Angula, Denzil Haoseb, Tuhafeni Pekka Hamukwaya, Ananias Gebhardt, Neville Tjiueza, Dennis Tjetjinda, Freedom Puriza, Deon Hotto, Emilio Martin, Marko van Wyk, Willy Stephanus, Jerome Louis, Kumbee Katjiteo, Petrus Shitembi and Heini Isaacks.
By Carlos Kambaekwa