The national u20 men’s football team head coach Lucky Shipanga, has expressed satisfaction with his charges’ preparations for the upcoming Cosafa u20 2026 showdown pencilled from 18 to 27 September in Mozambique.
Namibia will open their campaign for the TotalEnergies CAF u20 Afcon, Cosafa qualifiers on 18 September, against Mauritius in their Group A encounter.
Responding to questions by The Namibian Sport Shipanga says though preparations are very positive, they were very demanding.
“We started with a very large pool of players, more than 50, and the main objective was not simply to select a team, but to identify the right players who could represent Namibia at this level and potentially become future Brave Warriors.”
The coach who hails from Walvis Bay says they started with an eight-day assessment and trials camp from 22 to 29 August.
“During the camp, we focused on fitness, technical ball work and tactical understanding. We also integrated soccer games with greater intensity to test how the boys reacted under pressure and in competitive situations,” says the coach.
The assessment and trials allowed the coaching staff to look at players in their natural positions and their technical abilities.
He says: “ I’m pleased with the players’ fitness levels, although there is always room for improvement.”
During the eight-day assessment, Shipanga says they monitored the player’s physical condition, mentality, discipline and ability to compete at a high level.
“The players responded positively to the demands of the camp, and their fitness improved as the programme progressed.
The intensity of the friendly matches gave gave the coach a good indication of the team’s physical readiness and ability to maintain performance levels.
OBJECTIVE
Shipanga says their immediate objective is to prepare properly for Mauritius and approach that match with the seriousness and respect it deserves.
“We know that the opening game is very important because a positive result can give the team confidence and create momentum for the rest of the tournament.”
He says their broader objective is to compete strongly in the Cosafa u20 competition, represent Namibia with pride and give themselves the best possible chance of progressing as far as possible.
The coach says he wants the players to gain valuable international experience and continue growing as future Brave Warriors.
“We have a balanced group with players who bring different qualities to the team. Some have experience from CAF club competitions, while others have gained valuable exposure through their clubs and previous national-team involvement.”
He says the foreign-based players have also added quality and increased competition within the squad.
“Their experience can help raise the standards in training and guide some of the younger players.
“However, we do not want to rely only on individuals. Our strength must come from the collective, with every player understanding his role and contributing to the team’s objectives.”
Shipanga says they have selected the squad based on merit, positional balance, tactical requirements and the needs of the team.
“The players who bring depth, experience and teamwork will be very important, but everyone in the group has a responsibility to contribute.”
FRIENDLY MATCHES
The friendly matches, Shipanga says allowed him to test the players in competitive situations and assess whether they could apply what they had learned in training.
The young lads played their first friendly match against NPFL team Unam FC and won 3–0.
“That result boosted the morale and confidence of the young players. We then played against the Bucs Buccaneers FC and won 2–1, which again lifted the morale of the group and showed the character of the players.”
In their final trial match, the team played against a combined youth team from CBS and DTS and won 4–1.
“These matches gave us valuable information about the players’ technical ability, tactical understanding, physical condition and mentality.
“We recently played Tigers FC and we won 2-1. This shows the hunger in the youth talent so far. They also helped us identify areas that still need improvement before the tournament. As the camp progressed, we reduced the group step by step.”
CAPTAIN
Lucas Sakeus will captain the side, and will be deputized by Antonius Tino Guiseb, who is on a CAF mission with his outfit African Stars FC together with Martino Suveree Kauzuu who will join the team after their continental assignment.
“We trust they will lead by example both on and off the field, communicate effectively with the players and respect the technical team and the opponents.”
Captaincy, Shipanga says is not only about wearing the armband, but serving the team and helping the group remain focused throughout the tournament.
Namibia is in Group A alongside host nation Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles.
Players:
Goalkeepers/Defenders: Mcheni Kavendjii, Giovanne Tsandib, Timotheus Onesmus, Tuundjakuje Kandingua, Leonard Nghidimbwa, Promise Haitamba and Tino Guiseb.
Midfielders/Forwards: Lukas Sakeus, Andriano Gawab, Willem Nguvali, Robinho van Wyk, Rashid Noabeb, Chris Lee Johnson, Nevio Huber, Junior Ashitenda, Michael Kandume, Gerson Kangume and Suveree Kauzuu.
