Versatile Namibian U/20 striker Ngonga Mahupe said their upcoming Cosafa Cup campaign is centered around discipline, character and determination, and they will rely on those trades to push through at the tournament. 

The Young Warriors are pitted in Group C of the 2022 Cosafa U/20 Cup alongside South Africa and Comoros in the competition taking place in Eswatini from 7-16 October. 

Speaking to New Era Sport on the sidelines of yesterday’s training session, the young Mahupe said they are ready to put up a good challenge in Eswatini, adding their objective this time around is to eclipse their previous performance at the 2020 tournament held in South Africa when the Young Warriors lost 0-1 to Mozambique in the final. 

“I can confidently say we are ready for the competition, as preparations have been going well and the coaches have made it clear what they expect from us as players. We have all shown our readiness at training and I think we have the best players on the team. This time around, I believe we can reach the final (again) and claim the title. Looking at how competitive the training sessions are, you can tell the team will do their utmost best and reach the final,” he said. 

The team will leave for the competition on Monday. 

Head coach James Britz echoed that the aim is to reach the final. 

“Last time we took part in the competition we did well but I believe that if we give out the same energy this time again, we are likely to reach the final and maybe even win the title. We have never been to any World Cup and this would be our chance to prove ourselves to the world. I know we are capable of doing it if we believe it. The team is solid and comprises different players who are all skilled and gifted in their own ways. I believe we can take this to the next level,” said Britz. 

This year’s tournament will also act as a zonal qualifier for the 2023 U/20 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Egypt from 14 February to 6 March, with the two finalists of this year’s Cosafa U/20 set to advance to the continental showpiece. 

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na