Former Brave Warriors assistant coach Ronnie Kanalelo says the team knows what’s required as they head into their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier clash against Malawi tomorrow at 15h00, at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana.
“We always have a good chance in any game. The lads know what is at stake, so I don’t doubt them,” Kanalelo stated confidently ahead of the match.
On Wednesday afternoon, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, Garren Smith, provided an update on the players’ fitness and preparations since their arrival in Botswana.
“We had positive training sessions with the squad ahead of the match. Since arriving in Botswana, the first day focused on activation and getting mobility just to get the bodies ready for the weekend’s preparation,” Smith explained.
“Second day it was then again, of course, a bit more and more tactical going into our preparation for Friday’s match. And then of course today (Wednesday) we picked up the tempo slightly again, a bit more tactical, pushing the bodies to the edges to kind of climatise to the weather, especially now at three o’clock – that’s the time we’re playing – so it is a bit hot.”
He added, “So, we kind of just wanted to kickstart the engine, if I can put it that way, just so that we’re ready for Friday and we know what’s to come.”
According to Smith, the team is in good shape, especially the locally based players.
“I think regarding the fitness of the players, we’re quite happy, especially our home-based players. We had those four weeks where we were pushing them, that was the pre-season,” he explained.
He noted that international players, like Deon Hotto and Bethuel Muzeu, had just played over the weekend and needed some load management.
“They played on Sunday, so we just had to monitor the load. I think from here onwards, they should be 100% ready for Friday’s game,” he noted.
Unfortunately, the team faces a slight injury concern ahead of the match.
“We had one slight injury – we’re still assessing Alpheus Leevi. We’re assessing a possible knee injury, but we’re hoping our medical team can assess and treat as much as possible. We’ll see if he’s ready for Friday. If not, hopefully for our next game next week,” he said.
Namibia has had an impressive qualifying campaign so far, remaining undefeated in Group H after six matches – with three wins and three draws.
On 21 November 2023 against São Tomé and Príncipe, Namibia won 2–0 through Prins Tjiueza’s corner-piece strike, plus an own goal.
Against Equatorial Guinea, Namibia initially lost; however, the result was overturned to a 3–0 win by Fifa due to an ineligible player. In June 2024, against Liberia, Namibia drew 1–1 through a goal by Tjipe Karuuombe; Liberia equalised later.
Against Tunisia in June, Namibia recorded a 0-0 draw.
In March this year, Namibia defeated Malawi 1-0.
Currently, the Brave Warriors have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, but their recent form puts them in a strong position to compete for a historic spot.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na