Namibia's national U20 men's football head coach, Lucky Shipanga, has emphasized the need for continuity of the current squad following their impressive fourth-place finish at the recently concluded Cosafa Cup. The team was also awarded the 'Fair Play' award recognition, a testament to their sportsmanship and discipline on the field. Shipanga believes that the squad has shown great potential and that it is essential to build on this momentum.
Shipanga revealed that the Namibia Football Association (NFA) youth technical department is currently working on a plan of action to ensure the team's continued development. He stated that the department has already started collecting information and data on the players, which will be crucial in identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This data will also help in creating opportunities for the players to keep developing and competing at a high level.
The coach stressed that continuity is vital for the team's success, and that the players should not disappear after the tournament. He emphasized the need for a structured program around the team, including organized friendly matches, regional competitions, and international exposure against neighboring countries. Shipanga believes that exposing the players to different levels of intensity and tactical demands will be essential in their growth and development.
Shipanga highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic youth structures so that players are playing regularly at a competitive level. He believes that the objective is not only to prepare one U20 team for one tournament but to build a pathway that continuously produces future Brave Warriors. The coach is confident that with the right approach, Namibia can produce a team that can compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on the Cosafa Cup knockout stage, Shipanga shared his insights on the team's performance. He revealed that the semi-final against Mozambique was a challenging match, with Mozambique having the home-ground advantage and the pressure of their supporters. Shipanga acknowledged that the team's defensive organization was good in principle but that they were a fraction slower in reacting to the decisive moments.
Shipanga also shared his observations on the team's fatigue during the tournament. He revealed that by the Zambia match, the fatigue was more visible, with players showing signs of dehydration and running out of energy. The coach emphasized the importance of managing high-intensity matches within a short period with limited recovery time. He believes that this tournament was a valuable lesson in squad depth, game management, and making the right changes at the right time.
Looking ahead, Shipanga is optimistic about the team's future prospects. He emphasized the need for the team to continue monitoring and identifying opportunities for growth and development. With the right approach and support, Shipanga is confident that Namibia's U20 team can achieve great success in the future.
Key points
- Coach Lucky Shipanga calls for continuity of the current U20 squad.
- The team finished fourth at the Cosafa Cup and was awarded the 'Fair Play' award recognition.
- Shipanga emphasizes the need for a structured program, including friendly matches and international exposure, to aid the team's growth and development.
