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Benjamin calls on youth to double effort

PLUS … The HopHydro Cup provided Namibian youngsters with invaluable international game time. Photo: Debmarine Premiership

Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin says Namibia’s youth footballers are not too far off the level of their South African heavy-hitters Mamelodi Sundowns peers who won the HopHydro Cup on Sunday.

Hosted by the Collin Benjamin Soccer Talents (CBST), the inaugural edition of the under-18 international tournament also featured German side FC Nurnberg and a Khomas invitational team.

CBST finished runners-up to Sundowns in the competition devised to provide crucial international exposure to Namibian youngsters.

In his post-tournament assessment with Desert FM this week, Benjamin said there were many positives and lessons to be taken on board from their visiting rivals.

He said while their talent was undeniable, local players needed to show more commitment to improve their talent and keep up with their peers.

“I think the difference is basically just commitment, and obviously through commitment you do a little bit more than what is asked of you,” Benjamin said.

“We have to start with ourselves, and as a player you must say ‘I’m going to put in the work’. If they are selected to the national team, there is no coach who will start with fitness and endurance. Instead, say and show that you’re ready,” the coach said.

“Already start with yourself, then the coach can actually add technique, and with that I mean, if you look at the Sundowns players, they are all athletes – whether they are small or big in stature – depending on the position.”

Sundowns, the defending Gauteng Development League champions, were exemplary on and off the field of play, Benjamin said.

He said Sundowns’ athletic and technical superiority ensured they beat all their opponents to finish the tournament unbeaten with ease.

“I am saying the gap is not too far from us. It is just about commitment to improving yourself physically, which makes it easier for you to develop other aspects of your game,” Benjamin said.

“If we do the work, you will get results, and that is our idea with this competition – to show the players from nothing comes nothing.

“I believe there must be some kind of change . . . from what they saw during the HopHydro Cup.”

The maiden HopHydro Cup successfully saw sponsors investing N$4 million in grassroots football.

That is a sign that where there is a will, there is a way, Benjamin said.

“Obviously the sponsors are very important and we are gonna try to start engaging them and see whether we can also do the tournament next year. That is definitely the plan,” said Benjamin.

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