Newly appointed Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin has called up a 31-member training squad for the upcoming 2022 Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) games scheduled for Durban, South Africa in July.
The squad will begin their training on Saturday morning at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Technical Centre.
Speaking to Nampa soon after the announcement of the squad, Benjamin said he had opted to mix the squad between under-20 players, uncapped players and experienced local players, as well as a few foreign-based players to balance the team.
“At one point in time, we need to check the development of these young players while we are also preparing them for the future. We have called up these players with an eye for the future,” he said.
Benjamin added that this would be a perfect opportunity for the young players to learn and stake a claim for the Brave Warriors jersey.
“You cannot learn if you are not thrown into the deep end. There is a lack of experience but we have seasoned players as well as Botswana-based internationals who should provide the spine. We also have to look at the fact that there will come a time where our more experienced players will not be available,” he explained.
Benjamin also announced his technical team, with Ronny Kanalelo bouncing back as assistant coach and Arnold Subeb as goalkeeper coach.
Another new face is Garren Smith, who comes in as a sports scientist, while Julia Haluwendo is team medic.
The Brave Warriors squad is as follows:
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
Head coach – Collin Benjamin
Assistant coach – Ronnie Kanalelo
Goalkeeper coach – Arnold Subeb
Sports scientist – Garren Smith
Team medic – Julia Haluwendo