Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin is planning to further tighten all loose ends at an upcoming training camp, which he plans to set up in Johannesburg, South Africa, ahead of next month’s Cosafa Cup.
The 2022 Cosafa Cup is slated for 5-17 July in Durban, South Africa.
Speaking to New Era Sport yesterday, Benjamin shared that he is impressed with the level of commitment and determination being shown by the young players in the squad, saying that he now plans to set up camp in Johannesburg where he will wrap up all preparations for the Cosafa Cup.
“I am happy with the way the boys are reacting to the training; they are eager and committed. The fact that we also have some youngsters in the team makes it even more exciting,” he said.
Namibia will start this year’s Cosafa Cup from the quarterfinals stage, where they will face Madagascar in an all-important clash that could pave their way to the competition’s semis.
Weighing the Brave Warriors chances against Madagascar, Benjamin said: “They are a good team that loves to play a whole different game of football. They definitely love to play ground balls. I have watched them play against Angola in a match they drew, and one could see that they are a good team. We should not undermine them or look down on them.”
In terms of having a friendly or two ahead of the tournament, Benjamin said they have not yet decided on that but they hope the Johannesburg camp will help with their readiness.
“We hope to have a friendly game with one local team behind closed doors in South Africa, as that will help us get the feel and assist in rectifying some minor mistakes while we are there.”
Brave Warriors training squad:
Goalkeepers: Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Edward Maova, Mbemutjiua Mata and Ruhuka Ngatangue. Defenders: Approcious Petrus, Denzil Haoseb, Charles Hambira, Ivan Kamberipa, Amazing Kandjii, Tuli-Ngenovali Nashiwa and Kennedy Amutenya. Midfielders: Marcel Papama, Wesley Katjiteo, Dynamo Fredericks, Immanuel Heita, Ngero Kauta, Tjipenandjambi Karuuombe, Prinz Tjiueza, Steven Junior Damaseb, Brain Katuuo, Tjiveta Katjimune, Uetuuro Kambato, Wendel Rudath, Monis Omseb and Absalom Iimbondi. Strikers: Elmo Kambindu, McBarry Geiseb, Bethuel Muzeu, Lionel Routh, Godwin Eiseb and Olzen Ameb.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na