Warriors for AFCON

Rudi Bowe

Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti has named the best possible team to represent Namibia at the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Finals in Egypt.

Namibia returned to this prestigious competition for the first time in over a decade, beating COSAFA rivals Zambia and Mozambique to progress through their qualification group.
The Brave Warriors, who boast a strong PSL contingent including Bidvest Wits winger Deon Hotto and Highlands Park striker Peter Shalulile, will be up against Bafana, Ivory Coast and Morocco.
With many expecting “the Warriors” to take a severe beating in Group D, Mannetti welcomes the tag of “underdog” and is confident they can cause a massive upset.
“We are used to being the underdogs. It is a perfect draw for us. We are used to being in this situation where we are the underdogs,” Mannetti told CAF Online. And the underdog more than often surprises.
“If you look at the rest of the group, it is a perfect scenario for us”.
“To qualify was very emotional for us. One moment you are in, the next you are out… But ultimately it was such a joy for us to qualify”, said an upbeat Mannetti.
Explaining the selection of the team, Mannetti explained tactics, conditioning, performance and attitude were key drivers.
“These were the pillars of our decision. Also, the inclusion of Ryan Nyambe at the back was key. His versatility is key for the changes at the back”.
The team will represent Namibia to the best of its ability.
Meanwhile, Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service has allocated N$19 million to the Namibia Football Association (NFA), to cater for Namibia’s participation in AFCON.
The assigned amount to the National team was confirmed by the Chief Administrator of the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC), Freddy Mwiya.