More work for Warriors

THE Namibia Football Association (NFA) has repeatedly accused the media, including this newspaper, of negative reporting during the Brave Warriors’ campaign for the African Nations Cup.

The reporting in my view at times was negative on many things that were not right in the team and around it. People were calling for the head of current assistant coach Ronnie Kanalelo for his apparent autocratic style, some wanted some players to be excluded from the side, and more criticism came after Namibia’s failed attempt to progress to the semi-finals of the Cosafa Castle Cup.There was also a lot of criticism of officials who at one stage announced that there is no money for the Brave Warriors to fulfil their international friendly obligations, let alone training camps.Most of the criticism was justified because in the end, all these issues were solved.If the NFA had no pressure from the media to tackle issues such as securing funds in time for the team’s preparations, the current situation could have been different.But for now, who cares about the past.Namibia has qualified for Ghana 2008 and everyone is looking forward to the team doing well in that competition.Good and well, but the authorities should learn from their past mistakes.I am saying this because what really bothered me the most was the limited time that the team had to prepare for the Ethiopia match.We all knew that game was a decider and with players idle for at least a month and no friendly matches days before the match, it was frightening.Playing away and knowing the bad treatment that some of these African countries throw at you, everyone was holding thumbs for the team to pull through, while some wished DRC the worst of luck.Players were so tense before they left for Ethiopia, coaches were hoping for a miracle while the nation was restless.But that was history once the players ran onto the field.They played to win, despite the poor away record Namibia has.Now, what lies ahead is some more work and that comes back right to the door of the ones in charge of football.The national side will first need direction and that will possibly come after the coach has submitted his report in which he proposes what he wants for the team.This will include dates of training camps, opposition for friendly matches, what areas in the game he wants to strengthen and which players he wants, etcetera.In my view, I think we should do away with the often amateurish way the things are done on national level.For Namibia to qualify for such a prestigious tournament, it will be pointless for the side not to be catered for sufficiently with all the basic needs.A gymnasium to build the physique of the players should be considered, proper training facilities and gear are a must and there should be no excuse for not having basics such as transport and accommodation.There is firstly a need for enough training camps and competitive opposition for friendly matches.There is no point in playing against smaller football nations.We need to go for the big ones and hunt them down cause it will expose the players to the hardships of international football.Players also have to be more disciplined, as they are regarded as national assets.Late-night partying for players should become a thing of the past, because they are carrying the hopes of making an entry into the 2010 African Nations Cup (Angola) and the World Cup in South Africa too.So guys, take responsibility because you are on the taxpayers’ payroll.But the most important issue is that the team should be treated in the best possible way, should have their training programmes well planned and they should play matches to sharpen their competitiveness.The Nations Cup is a tough tournament and the best possible preparations are essential for Namibia to compete favourably.Most of the players are young and they need guidance from the senior players and the coaching staff.Apart from that, the nation should be steadfast behind the team and the NFA, with the Brave Warriors Supporters Club, should cultivate an interest in the game, especially for the Warriors.People were calling for the head of current assistant coach Ronnie Kanalelo for his apparent autocratic style, some wanted some players to be excluded from the side, and more criticism came after Namibia’s failed attempt to progress to the semi-finals of the Cosafa Castle Cup.There was also a lot of criticism of officials who at one stage announced that there is no money for the Brave Warriors to fulfil their international friendly obligations, let alone training camps.Most of the criticism was justified because in the end, all these issues were solved.If the NFA had no pressure from the media to tackle issues such as securing funds in time for the team’s preparations, the current situation could have been different.But for now, who cares about the past.Namibia has qualified for Ghana 2008 and everyone is looking forward to the team doing well in that competition.Good and well, but the authorities should learn from their past mistakes.I am saying this because what really bothered me the most was the limited time that the team had to prepare for the Ethiopia match.We all knew that game was a decider and with players idle for at least a month and no friendly matches days before the match, it was frightening.Playing away and knowing the bad treatment that some of these African countries throw at you, everyone was holding thumbs for the team to pull through, while some wished DRC the worst of luck.Players were so tense before they left for Ethiopia, coaches were hoping for a miracle while the nation was restless.But that was history once the players ran onto the field.They played to win, despite the poor away record Namibia has.Now, what lies ahead is some more work and that comes back right to the door of the ones in charge of football.The national side will first need direction and that will possibly come after the coach has submitted his report in which he proposes what he wants for the team.This will include dates of training camps, opposition for friendly matches, what areas in the game he wants to strengthen and which players he wants, etcetera.In my view, I think we should do away with the often amateurish way the things are done on national level.For Namibia to qualify for such a prestigious tournament, it will be pointless for the side not to be catered for sufficiently with all the basic needs.A gymnasium to build the physique of the players should be considered, proper training facilities and gear are a must and there should be no excuse for not having basics such as transport and accommodation.There is firstly a need for enough training camps and competitive opposition for friendly matches.There is no point in playing against smaller football nations.We need to go for the big ones and hunt them down cause it will expose the players to the hardships of international football.Players also have to be more disciplined, as they are regarded as national assets.Late-night partying for players should become a thing of the past, because they are carrying the hopes of making an entry into the 2010 African Nations Cup (Angola) and the World Cup in South Africa too.So guys, take responsibility because you are on the taxpayers’ payroll.But the most important issue is that the team should be treated in the best possible way, should have their training programmes well planned and they should play matches to sharpen their competitiveness.The Nations Cup is a tough tournament and the best possible preparations are essential for Namibia to compete favourably.Most of the players are young and they need guidance from the senior players and the coaching staff.Apart from that, the nation should be steadfast behind the team and the NFA, with the Brave Warriors Supporters Club, should cultivate an interest in the game, especially for the Warriors.