2016-03-23Staff Report 2 Windhoek Tura Magic workaholic midfielder Oswaldo Xamseb says he is ready to fill the huge void left by Bidvest Wits’ Wangu Gome in the Brave Warriors engine room, ahead of the team’s departure to Bujumbura on Friday for their 2017 AFCON Group K encounter against Burundi. Xamseb is one of the four new in-field players in the Brave Warriors squad and given his work rate and big heart, he is in the mould of the regular cog Wangu Gome, who was dropped due to limited game time at his club. Attending their first Brave Warriors training sessions, Xamseb and other novices Riaan Hanamub, Immanuel Heita and Romario Ndjavera went about their business in what some may term as intimidating first sessions in the team. A former youth player, Xamseb is not new to the national team environment and will surely push for a place in the final team. “It’s an honour for me to be called up. I did not expect it and thanks to my club coaches for pushing me this far. I’m positive and ready to give it my best, leaving it up to coach Mannetti to decide. Just being part of his plans is very encouraging,” Xamseb states. After four training sessions, the technical team observed signs of nervousness among the new players and made it clear to them that they have the same chance as anyone else to make the final 18-man squad. “The guys have to understand that ability can get you in the team and character will keep you in the team, especially in away matches. These guys have the same chance as everyone else and they need to bring their A-game. We still have a few days to see their mettle,” said Mannetti. Goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua has been sidelined by an ankle injury, while Tigers midfielder Benjamin Nenkavu is also nursing a knee injury, which the technical team will assess and make a final decision on the way forward. The squad: Max Mbaeva (Golden Arrows), Edward Maova, David Peterson (Tigers), Charles Uirab (Orlando Pirates), Denzil Hoaseb (Black Africa), Chris Katjiukua (Golden Arrows), Willem Mwedihanga (Amatuks), Romario Ndjavera (Tigers), Dennis Ngueza (African Stars), Ferdinand Karongee (Tigers), Edmund Kambanda (Unam), Riaan Hanamub (Orlando Pirates), Oswaldo Xamseb (Tura Magic), Peter Shalulile (Highlands Park), Dynamo Fredericks (Black Africa), Willy Stephanus (Black Africa), Benyamin Nenkavu (Tigers), Absalom Iimbondi (Tigers), Heinrich Isaacks (Unam), Petrus Shitembi (Amazulu), Ronald Ketjijere (Amatuks), Deon Hotto (Golden Arrows, Immanuel Heita (Black Africa), Benson Shilongo (Gaborone United), Hendrick Somaeb (Free State Stars) and Terdius Uiseb (Orlando Pirates). 2016-03-23Staff Report 2
