Announcing his Cosafa Cup squad in the capital yesterday, Brave Warriors mentor Ricardo Mannetti said his selection was aimed at having more experience and depth going into this year’s competition in South Africa from May 17-30.
However, omitted from the call-up are regulars such as Da Costa Angula, Tangeni Shipahu, Lazarus Kaimbi, Awillo Stephanus and Heini Isaacks who are all unavailable either due to club commitments or injury.
But in the case of Angula, Mannetti said, he had to drop the versatile defender because of fitness issues since he was not getting enough game time at his South African club Free State Stars.
Mannetti has roped in the services of Orlando Pirates striker Nicky Musambani and Sadney Urikhob to strengthen the firing department, while enterprising midfielder Neville Tjiueza has been brought in to stabilise the midfield.
He assured fans that not even the dark cloud of injuries that has hit his camp will dampen the spirits of his charges going into the highly competitive Cosafa Cup.
“There are so many players that I wanted to include in this squad but was forced to drop as a result of injuries and others had issues attaining to their passports. There are also many other promising youngsters that have impressed at their various clubs this season but I felt Cosafa Cup is a bit competitive for most of them to make their debuts, but they will definitely be part of the CHAN Championship which is for home-based players,” said Mannetti.
Namibia will take on Seychelles for their Cosafa Cup opener on May 17 before facing Mauritius on May 19, followed by another crucial fixture against Zimbabwe on May 21.
The squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers – Virgill Vries and Maximillin Mbaeva;
Defenders – Willem Mwedihanga, Chris Katjiukua, Denzil Haoseb, Annanias Gebhardt, Gregory Aukumeb, Denis Ngueza Tjetjinda;
Midfielders – Neville Tjiueza, Hendrik Somaeb, Peter Shalulile, Ronald Ketjijere (C), Wangu Batista, Joslin Kamatuka, Petrus Shitembi, Deon Hotto;
Strikers – Nicky Musambani, Henrico Botes, Sadney Urikhob and Benson Shilongo.