Big names left out of Benjamin's squad
Football
Brave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin believes it is the right time to give some players an opportunity to start entering the senior national set-up ahead of important competitions. Benjamin named a strong 52-men squad yesterday as he prepares for international fixtures in the upcoming months.
It will be the first time the team returns to camp after their round of 16 exit at the African Cup of Nations early this year in Ivory Coast.
The team now has important upcoming fixtures which include two World Cup qualifying matches against Tunisia and Liberia, as well as the Cosafa Cup.
“The players selected have impressed us during the (Debmarine Namibia Premier) League and also the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup matches.
“It is time for them to show that they are worth the jersey and that they can play for the nation with pride.
“They have to use this opportunity to grow in their personal lives and eventually make something out of their football careers, like some of the seniors in the squad,” Benjamin said.
The coach has recalled Ongos FC veteran midfielder Wangu Gome who was part of the national set-up before he fell out of favour due to a lack of game time.
The players are expected to report to training next week Tuesday as preparations will commence for Namibia’s battle with Liberia on 3 June, before playing against Tunisia in the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers.
They will then shift focus to the Cosafa Cup tournament due to start this year.
The number of fixtures has convinced the coach that a big squad is needed in order to have options.
Some of the players left out have left fans raising eyebrows, such as the continued exclusion of African Stars’ Willy Stephanus, the top goal-scorer in the last two NPFL seasons, as well as local and foreign-based talent like Joslin Kamatuka, Absalom Imbondi, Uetuuru Kambato, Marcel Papama, Wendell Rudath, Ngero Katua, Petrus Shitembi, Kennedy Amutenya, Elmo Kambindu, Lubeni Haukongo and goalkeeper Ndisiro Kamaijanda.
Khomas Nampol’s Rewaldo Prins, who depending on who you listen to was either one goal behind Stephanus or squared on 16 each, was also not considered required.
The list of players called up:
Goalkeepers
Lloyd Kazapua, Edward Maova, Jonas Mateus, Ngatangue Ruhaka, Brango Rukoro, Rupura Tjambeni.
Defenders
Ryan Nyambe, Ivan Kamberipa, Josef Bonifatius, Gerson Paulus, Charles Hambira, Tuli Nashixwa, Arend Abubakir, Erasmus Ikeinge, Ananias Gebhardt, Riaan Hanamub, Tonateni Haindongo, Edmund Kambanda, Rehabeam Mbango, Rouven Tjihumu, Marek Kapuro, Namayabona Matengu.
Midfielders
Aprocius Petrus, Moses Shidolo, Tjipee Karuoombe, Pandeni Kandjabanga, Stanley Ndjavera, Romeo Kansume, Paulus Amutenya, Ndjiraera Maharero, Razikua Mujoro, Lawrence Doeseb, Stanley Scheepers, Simon Elago, Sam Ndahangwapo, Erastus Kulula, Wangu Batista Gome, Edmar Kamatuka, Ben Richard Namib, Giovane Engelbrecht, Deon Hotto, Tjimbauja Kapuuo, Farres Haidula, Mbamba Magameno, Zuze Mutafela, Maurizio January, Punaje Katjimune.
Forwards
Peter Shalulile, Bethuel Muzeu, George Marcelino, Gonzales Suseb, Kleophas Useb.