‘No big worries for Warriors’

MOST football coaches and officials have expressed satisfaction with the Brave Warriors squad picked by newly-appointed caretaker coach Max Johnson at the weekend.

Some, however, were of the opinion that the Namibia national soccer team, composed mostly of players that have turned out for the country at either junior or senior level, needed a lot of support. Technical Adviser of Civics, Ali Akan, whose side currently tops the premier league and has no player in the new squad, told The Namibian Sport yesterday that he had “no problem” with the squad.”Every coach has his own choices and ideas on what he wants to do with a team.The selection that he [Johnson] made is probably in line with what he thinks will bring the desired results,” he said.Akan, however, expressed concern over the foreign-based players whom Johnson anticipates to draft into the squad by April 14, depending on them being released by their professional clubs.”It will be difficult to negotiate for these players as most of the clubs are nearing the end of their leagues, especially in Europe,” he said.Johnson might possibly rely on the services of Razundara Tjikuzu and Collin Benjamin who are professional players with Hansa Rostock and Hamburg SV in Germany respectively.Namibia is expected to play against Angola in a Cosafa Castle Cup match on the weekend of May 8 and 9 in Luanda.Tigers executive member, Kelly Asser, said there should be no fear on the preparations of the squad for the encounter, as there was still “plenty” of time.”The only question is, will they get enough friendly matches before that match? It will be good to have them play at least two or three friendlies against other nations instead of local teams,” he said.Asser said the squad needs to play more matches together as a team before taking on Angola.Ramblers team manager, Jorge da Purificacao, was happy with the inclusion of five of his team’s players in the side, but expressed disappointment on the total omission of Civics’ players.”They should have at least considered players such as Donny Isaacs and Kaya Munyaza.But if he has decided on his group, which he said was judged on their performance, let it be.All we need is to support Johnson and the team,” he said.Former national team co-coach Bernard Kaanjuka did not want to comment on the selection, but simply said: “Give him a chance.”Chief Santos spokesperson, Cosmos Auchumeb, said the team Johnson had picked “does not look bad”.”The selected players should work hard and deliver what is required from them.That is the main reason why they have been chosen.They should stand up and be counted by showing that they are worth being in the team, ” he said.Auchumeb also views friendly matches against credible opposition as crucial, saying that it will put the team in a good position against Angola.Technical Adviser of Civics, Ali Akan, whose side currently tops the premier league and has no player in the new squad, told The Namibian Sport yesterday that he had “no problem” with the squad.”Every coach has his own choices and ideas on what he wants to do with a team.The selection that he [Johnson] made is probably in line with what he thinks will bring the desired results,” he said.Akan, however, expressed concern over the foreign-based players whom Johnson anticipates to draft into the squad by April 14, depending on them being released by their professional clubs.”It will be difficult to negotiate for these players as most of the clubs are nearing the end of their leagues, especially in Europe,” he said.Johnson might possibly rely on the services of Razundara Tjikuzu and Collin Benjamin who are professional players with Hansa Rostock and Hamburg SV in Germany respectively.Namibia is expected to play against Angola in a Cosafa Castle Cup match on the weekend of May 8 and 9 in Luanda.Tigers executive member, Kelly Asser, said there should be no fear on the preparations of the squad for the encounter, as there was still “plenty” of time.”The only question is, will they get enough friendly matches before that match? It will be good to have them play at least two or three friendlies against other nations instead of local teams,” he said.Asser said the squad needs to play more matches together as a team before taking on Angola.Ramblers team manager, Jorge da Purificacao, was happy with the inclusion of five of his team’s players in the side, but expressed disappointment on the total omission of Civics’ players.”They should have at least considered players such as Donny Isaacs and Kaya Munyaza.But if he has decided on his group, which he said was judged on their performance, let it be.All we need is to support Johnson and the team,” he said.Former national team co-coach Bernard Kaanjuka did not want to comment on the selection, but simply said: “Give him a chance.”Chief Santos spokesperson, Cosmos Auchumeb, said the team Johnson had picked “does not look bad”.”The selected players should work hard and deliver what is required from them.That is the main reason why they have been chosen.They should stand up and be counted by showing that they are worth being in the team, ” he said.Auchumeb also views friendly matches against credible opposition as crucial, saying that it will put the team in a good position against Angola.