Benjamin names 33 local players

Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin has named a provisional squad of 33 locally based players for the upcoming FIFA Series, scheduled for March.

The selected players will begin training next Monday, after which those who impress will be integrated with Namibia’s foreign-based contingent ahead of the international window.

Benjamin expressed confidence in the group he has assembled, saying the call-ups were based on performances in the Namibia Premier League.

“I have been attending Premier League matches and I can say I called up these players based on the impressions I got.

“The players selected will have to prove themselves in training so that they can be integrated into the team,” Benjamin said.

Still a chance

The Brave Warriors mentor also encouraged players who missed out to continue performing, stressing that national team opportunities remain open.

Benjamin believes there is still time for omitted players to force their way into contention through strong league displays.

“I will still be attending matches, and we also have eyes everywhere. This means we will continue observing players,” he said.

FIFA Series

Namibia’s senior men’s national team is set to participate in the second edition of the FIFA Series, an invitational international friendly tournament promoted by FIFA, which brings together national teams from different confederations during a FIFA international window.

This year’s edition features 48 teams across 12 groups worldwide, with four teams competing in each host nation. Namibia has been drawn alongside hosts Kazakhstan, Comoros and Kuwait, with all matches staged under the Kazakhstan Football Federation.

Each team will play two official ‘A’ international matches over two match days. After predetermined opening fixtures, second-round pairings are decided based on initial results or scheduled match-ups. While an overall winner may be determined, the primary focus of the FIFA Series is preparation, development and international exposure.

Importantly, all matches count towards the FIFA World Rankings, making the tournament a valuable platform for teams seeking to improve their global standing.

Importance

Benjamin said the tournament comes at a crucial time for Namibian football, offering the squad the opportunity to test themselves against varied opposition.

“We have to thank FIFA because Namibia is now able to play against European countries as well as other African opponents.

“We have so much to look forward to, and we can only hope that the players will bring their A-game to this competition,” he said.

Players

Goalkeepers
Jonas Mateus – Ongos
Mervin Kasetura – African Stars

Defenders
Sergio Damaseb – Mighty Gunners
Vetunuvai Hambira – African Stars
Tuhafeni David – Blue Waters
Deacon Kakuenje – Young African
Arend Aboubakir – Blue Waters
Mattias Ndaudako – Eleven Arrows
Simeon Ekandjo – UNAM
David Aingwafa – Chula Chula

Midfielders
Edmar Kamatuka – African Stars
Paulus Ileni Amutenya – UNAM
Elias Hambongo – KK Palace
Okeri Nguarambuka – African Stars
Rikambura Muundjua – African Stars
Laurence Doeseb – African Stars
Simon Nambondi – Mighty Gunners
Dwain Kinda – FC Ongos
Festus Petrus – Chula Chula
Ben Namib – Nampol FC
Junior Petrus – Blue Waters
Sam Ndahangwapo – Blue Waters
Victor Shimwetheleni – Tigers FC
Barnand Horaseb – Mighty Gunners
Wendell Rudath – African Stars
Givanne Cruz – Bucks Buccaneers
Simon Elago – FC Ongos
Stoffel Witbeen – Okahandja United
Nestor Iiyambo – UNAM
Nyambe Oscar – Rundu Chiefs

Strikers
Hans Mashiku – Mighty Gunners
George Marselino – Blue Waters
Wise Lifasi – Chula Chula