Namibia's Brave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin has called up 34 players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Cameroon in November. Veteran midfielders Petrus Shitembi and Absalom Iimbondi have been recalled to the national squad after a nearly three-year absence. Both players have been among Namibia's most capped players, with Shitembi having 83 national caps and Iimbondi having 67 caps.
Shitembi, who currently plays for Kuching United in the Malaysia Super League, is Namibia's third most experienced player. Iimbondi, who plays for Khomas Nampol, is eighth on the list of most capped players. They will join an experienced and well-balanced squad consisting of 15 local and 19 foreign-based professionals playing in various countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, Sudan, and Malaysia.
The squad includes defenders Riaan !Hanamub of Amazulu with 62 caps and Ivan Kamberipa of Gaborone United with 52 caps, who are the most experienced in their position. Other players like Ngero Katua of Highbury FC, Sergio Damaseb, and Sisqo Haraseb are building up their international resumes. The midfield is led by Namibia's most capped international, Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates with 88 caps.
The midfield also includes other experienced campaigners like Aprocius Petrus, Wendell Rudath, and Moses Shidolo, alongside the recalled Shitembi and Iimbondi. Newcomers to the squad include Ngahape Kasaona of Blue Waters, Michael Jonas of Khomas Nampol, and Johannes Shijave of Eeshoke Chula Chula. The attack is led by Peter Shalulile, Namibia's joint fifth-most capped player with 69 caps.
Peter Shalulile, who currently plays for Young Africans, will lead the attack alongside Bethuel Muzeu of Sekhukhune United and Bio Gurirab of FC Platinum in Zimbabwe. The squad also includes goalkeepers Kamaijanda Ndisiro of Highbury FC, Misipile Sibeso of Chula Chula, and Bartholemeus Ingo of Khomas Nampol. A total of 34 players have been called up for the qualifiers.
The Brave Warriors will face Cameroon in the Afcon qualifiers on November 12, with the return leg scheduled for four days later at a venue yet to be confirmed. The team has a mix of experienced and young players, with a good balance of local and foreign-based professionals. The squad is expected to prepare well for the crucial qualifiers.
Namibia made history by reaching the knockout stages of the 2024 Afcon finals in the Ivory Coast for the first time. With the recall of Shitembi and Iimbondi, the team is expected to have a strong chance of qualifying for the next Afcon tournament. The team's preparation and performance will be crucial in determining their fate in the qualifiers.
Key points
- Veteran midfielders Petrus Shitembi and Absalom Iimbondi recalled to the Brave Warriors squad.
- The Brave Warriors will face Cameroon in the Afcon qualifiers on November 12.
- The squad consists of 34 players, including 15 local and 19 foreign-based professionals.
