From the Sidelines with Corry Ihuhua

THE non-availability of foreign-based players for this weekend’s Cosafa Cup encounter with Angola in Luanda, although regrettable, will not have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

The fact that the Brave Warriors will engage Angola without some of its experienced international players does not signal the end of the road for the team. In last week’s column, I pointed out that the current squad lacked experience at international level and this was clearly demonstrated in their friendly match against Botswana.The Brave Warriors performance was far from impressive, nor did they do any better than their game against a hastily selected side at Oshakati over the Easter weekend.My opinion that the team did not perform to expectations brought me under fire from some local football ‘gurus’.In fact, I appreciate their criticism, but at the same time everybody is entitled to their own view.I still stand by my word that the performance of the new Brave Warriors in the last two encounters was not impressive because I know most of these players and constantly see them playing, especially on premier league level – they could have done better.Full stop.Back to foreign-based players.It should be noted from the onset that some of these players have done the country proud, while some have dismally failed to live up to their big titles as professional players.Namibia should concentrate on building a strong side that consists of local-based players who can be exposed to playing on an international level, through a host of international friendly matches to gain experience.The locals can be complemented, but not replaced, by the foreign-based players in cases where it’s needed.The current local team is having a number of young players, and it will be wonderful to see them picking up experience as much they can.Warriors coach Max Johnson and his technical team, will solely rely on the strength of the local players when they meet Angola on Sunday.The Namibian side, which has some of the finest young talents, does not necessarily need the experience of their foreign-based team-mates, but can pull the wagon alone by simply showing determination, strong mental fitness and a hunger for goals.The fact is – they will with no doubt be introduced to the harsh realities of international football, while Johnson’s football experience will be stretched to the limit as he is expected to make the right choices at the right time.The biggest challenge for these inexperienced players who have so far played once in a 0-0 draw at that level against Botswana, will be the territory in which they will be facing their opponents.But that should not be a factor if they are brave enough to face all odds.The Estadio Nacional de Cdadela in Luanda has been one of the venues where the Angolan team has mostly triumphed, but they also had several downfalls, while some battles ended in stalemates.Another plus that Angola has over Namibia, is their wealth of experience and this they need to show from the onset if they want to end the match as winners.The home side has gathered their best professionals who mainly play in Portugal to do the job for them.All this advantages that Angola has should not matter at all for the Warriors if they have really prepared well for the match and are aiming to come out with a win.The motto for the Warriors should be to compete against Angola and and upset them, but not to just take part in the competition and settle for any pressure being put on them.The spirit among the players is expected to be at a boiling point when they touch down in Luanda, and it will also be vital for all Namibians in Angola and here, to give their support to the team.it is a pity that the Cosafa Castle Cup is held at a crucial stage when most leagues around the world are nearing conclusion, a situation that makes it difficult for clubs to release their professionals to their respective countries.The Cosafa Castle Cup has been hotly contested, with most countries fielding their best professionals, but now the quality of competition has reached some low levels as a small number of top players represent their countries, despite the ever increasing incentives that are offered.But that should not deter the sponsors and the participating countries, as local-based players are capable of putting up a great performances and can also provide entertaining football.In last week’s column, I pointed out that the current squad lacked experience at international level and this was clearly demonstrated in their friendly match against Botswana.The Brave Warriors performance was far from impressive, nor did they do any better than their game against a hastily selected side at Oshakati over the Easter weekend.My opinion that the team did not perform to expectations brought me under fire from some local football ‘gurus’.In fact, I appreciate their criticism, but at the same time everybody is entitled to their own view.I still stand by my word that the performance of the new Brave Warriors in the last two encounters was not impressive because I know most of these players and constantly see them playing, especially on premier league level – they could have done better.Full stop.Back to foreign-based players.It should be noted from the onset that some of these players have done the country proud, while some have dismally failed to live up to their big titles as professional players.Namibia should concentrate on building a strong side that consists of local-based players who can be exposed to playing on an international level, through a host of international friendly matches to gain experience.The locals can be complemented, but not replaced, by the foreign-based players in cases where it’s needed.The current local team is having a number of young players, and it will be wonderful to see them picking up experience as much they can.Warriors coach Max Johnson and his technical team, will solely rely on the strength of the local players when they meet Angola on Sunday.The Namibian side, which has some of the finest young talents, does not necessarily need the experience of their foreign-based team-mates, but can pull the wagon alone by simply showing determination, strong mental fitness and a hunger for goals.The fact is – they will with no doubt be introduced to the harsh realities of international football, while Johnson’s football experience will be stretched to the limit as he is expected to make the right choices at the right time.The biggest challenge for these inexperienced players who have so far played once in a 0-0 draw at that level against Botswana, will be the territory in which they will be facing their opponents.But that should not be a factor if they are brave enough to face all odds.The Estadio Nacional de Cdadela in Luanda has been one of the venues where the Angolan team has mostly triumphed, but they also had several downfalls, while some battles ended in stalemates.Another plus that Angola has over Namibia, is their wealth of experience and this they need to show from the onset if they want to end the match as winners.The home side has gathered their best professionals who mainly play in Portugal to do the job for them.All this advantages that Angola has should not matter at all for the Warriors if they have really prepared well for the match and are aiming to come out with a win.The motto for the Warriors should be to compete against Angola and and upset them, but not to just take part in the competition and settle for any pressure being put on them.The spirit among the players is expected to be at a boiling point when they touch down in Luanda, and it will also be vital for all Namibians in Angola and here, to give their support to the team.it is a pity that the Cosafa Castle Cup is held at a crucial stage when most leagues around the world are nearing conclusion, a situation that makes it difficult for clubs to release their professionals to their respective countries.The Cosafa Castle Cup has been hotly contested, with most countries fielding their best professionals, but now the quality of competition has reached some low levels as
a small number of top players represent their countries, despite the ever increasing incentives that are offered.But that should not deter the sponsors and the participating countries, as local-based players are capable of putting up a great performances and can also provide entertaining football.