Risser leads Brave Warriors against Flames

BRAVE Warriors coach Brian Isaacs yesterday handed Oliver Risser the captain’s armband for tonight’s friendly match against Malawi.

Risser, who previously deputised for regular skipper Collin Benjamin, will have former captain Henrico Botes as his understudy. ‘It’s an honour,’said the 30-year-old Risser, who is equally adept in holding the midfield role as he is at centre back. ‘I’m really proud to be captaining the team for this game.’Risser said being captain does not mean he will change his game against the Malawi ‘Flames’ as he has always worn his heart on his sleeve when he dons the national jersey. ‘I always play my heart out when I represent my country,’ he said. ‘I don’t need the captain’s band to motivate me.’He added that the relatively inexperienced Namibian squad would give a good account of themselves against their higher ranked opponents. He cautioned, however, that supporters should not expect too much from the new players. Risser, who is currently clubless after recently completing a three-month stint at Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura (Kups), also praised the interim technical team, saying they had created a ‘good mood in the camp’. Isaacs in turn said his foreign stars were a ‘special’ cog in his armour and expected them to carry the rest of the team. Apart from Risser, his younger brother Wilko Risser, who plays for Elversberg 07 in Germany, as well as the South African-based quintet of Mpumalanga Black Aces’ Sydney Plaatjies, Rudolph Bester of Maritzburg United, Tangeni Shipahu of Amazulu, and Platinum Stars’ Botes are expected to ‘add value to the team’. ‘The team is fit mentality and physically and I expect them to play very well,’ said Isaacs, who has not lost any sleep ahead of his first game in charge of the Brave Warriors. Coach of the Flames Kinna Phiri said he has brought his strongest available side and will treat the international as preparation for their upcoming 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier against Togo. Notable names in the experienced Malawi squad include striker Esau Kanyenda, playmaker Josephy Kamwendo, and defender Peter Mponda, who captains the side. Phiri, whose Flames burnt Namibia 1-0 in their previous friendly meeting in 2008, predicted an entertaining match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. Kick-off is at 20h00. ‘I’m sure we will get a very good practice,’ Phiri said in reference to the match. ‘We are not here to win or to lose. We are here to entertain and play good football.’

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