BRAVE Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin today called up 40 players to prepare for the pair of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in March.
Namibia face Cameroon away on 24 March before hosting the return leg four days later in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Benjamin called up a plethora of exciting youngsters to challenge experienced regulars for a starting berth against the 2022 Fifa World Cup finalists.
Benjamin is excited about welcoming youngsters into the fold and said “stealing points from Cameroon is not impossible”.
Namibia lie bottom of their qualifying group behind Burundi and leaders Cameroon.
“They are hungry and hopefully can help energise the team. They deserve a chance. We are convinced of their abilities. We’re looking to play an aggressive game and be intensive. That’s what the international game demands.”
The Brave Warriors campaign got off to a shaky start last year after being held 1-1 by Burundi, who subsequently lost their next match 1-0 to Cameroon.
Namibia need only to finish second to qualify for the Afcon finals in Ivory Coast.
“If you are prepared to do the work, you have a chance,” Benjamin said.
In the squad are:
Goalkeepers:
Loydt Kazapua (Chippa United, RSA), Edward Maova (Pretoria Callies, RSA), Ndisiro Kamaijanda and Mervin Kazetura (African Stars), Nelly Rooi (Tigers).
Defenders:
Ryan Nyambe (Wigan Athletic, ENG), Ivan Kamberipa (Matsutake, BOT), Johannes Shifafure (Julinho Sporting), Steven Damaseb (Blue Waters), Kennedy Amutenya (Gaborone Utd, BOT), Charles Hambira (African Stars), Denzel Haoseb (Orlando Pirates), Gianluca Kahingunga (Okahandja Utd), Ananias Gebhardt (Baroka, RSA), Riaan !Hanamub (AmaZulu, RSA), Nalikewe Nalweendo (Citizens), Brandon Naibeb (Orlando Pirates).
Midfielders:
Reverend Matroos (Young Brazilians) Devin Somseb (Life Fighters), Ndero Katua (Unam), Dynamo Fredericks (African Stars), Prins Tjiueza (Liria Prizren, KOV), Simon Elago (Tura Magic), Paulus Amutenya (Unam), Marcel Papama (Jwaneng, BOT), Ueturo Kambato (African Stars), Absalom Iimbondi (Tigers).
Strikers:
Joslin Kamatuka (African Stars), Nehemia Ndengu (Tura Magic), Peter Shalulile (Sundowns, RSA), Bethuel Muzeu (Black Leopards, RSA), Elmo Kambindu (Chippa Utd, RSA), Junior Petrus (Blue Waters), Michelino Hei-Gauseb (Okahandja Utd), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Wendel Rudath (Jwaneng, BOT), Edmar Kamatuka (African Stars), Stofell Witbeen (Okahandja Utd), Erwin Tjiuja and Eliakim Jadsson (Life Fighters).