Namibia’s national team, the Brave Warriors, have unveiled a 30-man squad brimming with new talent for their crucial upcoming qualifiers.
The announcement, made by Coach Collin Benjamin, signals a clear intent to inject dynamism and depth into the team as they face Malawi and Equatorial Guinea this month.
With Namibia currently sitting second in Group H, trailing leaders Tunisia by a mere two points, the stakes are high.
Benjamin’s selection reflects a strategic blend of experience and youthful exuberance, with 14 foreign-based players and 16 from the domestic Namibian league making the cut.
Among the most notable inclusions are uncapped players Petrus Kamati and Penda Mongudhi, both hailing from league leaders Young African. Mighty Gunners’ defensive duo, Sergio Damaseb and Sisqo Haraseb, have also earned their first call-ups, showcasing the growing strength of the Namibian Premier Football League.
“We are at a critical juncture in our World Cup qualification journey,” Coach Benjamin stated. “These new players have demonstrated exceptional potential and deserve their chance to prove themselves on the international stage. We believe this blend of youth and experience will provide the necessary balance to achieve our goals.”
Despite the influx of fresh faces, the core of the team remains intact. Leading the charge are established stars such as Mamelodi Sundowns’ prolific striker, Peter Shalulile, and Orlando Pirates’ veteran left-winger, Deon Hotto.
The squad also features a strong contingent of players from South Africa’s topflight and second-tier leagues, as well as three players from Botswana, highlighting the diverse talent pool at Benjamin’s disposal.
The Brave Warriors are set to face Malawi in a crucial home fixture, followed by an away clash against Equatorial Guinea. These matches are pivotal in determining Namibia’s fate in the World Cup qualifiers.