Mannetti names preliminary team for Botswana friendly

WINDHOEK, 17 SEP – Brave Warriors head coach, Ricardo Mannetti has called up 28 players to represent Namibia in an international friendly match against Botswana scheduled to take place in Gaborone on 30 September.
Naming his squad at Football House in the capital on Monday, Mannetti said he will use the game to give local-based players much needed game time ahead of the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mozambique in October.
The squad will be trimmed to 20 players for the Botswana trip after training at the Namibia Football Association’s Training Centre.
“We have also included more under-23 players compared to our previous camp as we want to expose them to the national team training, while also preparing them for the Olympic qualifier in November,” Mannetti said, adding that some under-23 players may get a chance to play.
“There is no three points against Botswana, there is no qualifying against Botswana. The win is secondary, our aim is to play well against Mozambique and Guinea Bissau,” Mannetti explained.
He noted that the local-based players were as important as their foreign-based counterparts, which is why it is important for them to get match practice as the local league has not yet commenced.
Mannetti also took time to explain that this will be the only time that the team plays competitive friendly matches before the three important qualifiers.
Subsequent to the friendly match, Mannetti also explained that his charges would camp in South Africa as they prepare for important qualifying matches against Mozambique.
The 28 men squad consists of Ratanda Mbazuvara, Uzuva Tjimune, Abel Amenenge, Larry Horaeb, Vitapi Ngaruka, Emilio Martin, Donovan Kanjaa, Kennedy Eib, Charles Hambira, Lubeni Haukongo, Aprocious Petrus, Baloyi Tsandib, Brandon Neibeb, Pandeni Kandjabanga, Benyamen Nenkavu, Ronald Ketjijere, Marcel Papama, Anthony Kham, Romeo Kasume, Hiha Katjivena, Petrus Shitembi, Absalom Iimbondi, Lucky Heita, Muna Katupose, Sadney Urikhob, Jandja Maharero, Brendon Katoungondo and Rivaldo Festus.
– NAMPA