Warriors face risk of elimination at Cosafa

NAMIBIA’S Brave Warriors are facing a risk of being eliminated in the Cosafa Castle Cup in just over four weeks as they have no coach, while the team has not played a single international match since April last year.

Namibia is pitted against Seychelles in their first game on July 22, and will take on the winner between Zambia and Malawi the following day. The winner on July 23 will play in the semi-finals of the competition against other three nations.Namibia at this stage consist of a Presidents XI team which was called into camp this week to prepare for several local matches, but non competitve matches.The absence of the coach is currently the biggest concern for the side which consist of many players who have not played much on the international arena.The Namibia Football Association (NFA) confirmed the appointment of former Zambians assistant coach Ben Baumfuchile, but they still need to make an announcement on his appointment.Baumfuchile is said to have accepted the offer, but the NFA has been mum on making it public.With Baumfuchile still trying to decide on his future with the Brave Warriors, time is running out for the players to get used to his coaching style.Namibia, compared to Botswana has not played a single international match for a year and two months, compared to their neighbours who have already played 15 competitive matches over that period.Zambia has been involved in the African Nations Cup this year and their strengths are unlikely to be matched by the Namibians, who have been coachless, while there has no regular team in place.Namibia stands a good chance to play against Zambia or Malawi, as Seychelles are not regarded as a big footballing nation.This week, Namibian football technical director, Seth Boois announced that the Presidents XI will be involved in a friendly match against Angolan side Premeiro de Agosto, indicating that Orlando Pirates coach Brian Isaacs will be leading the team.The team that has been called-up consist of 31 players in total and their only match is scheduled for June 23 against the former Angolan league champions.Meanwhile, Isaacs informed Nampa that the team kicked off with training sessions on Monday and that they will train twice a day at the University of Namibia (Unam) Sport Field.The players in camp are: Esau Tjiuoro, Zico Paulus, Arnold Subeb, Andrew Tjahikika, Ivan Namaseb, Michael Pienaar, Donely Nell, Moses Katjiteo, Gerry Keister, Lolo Goraseb, Rudolph Bester, Nelson Akwenye, Victor Helu, Johannes Hawala, Meraai Swartbooi, Heinrich Isaacks, Riaan Cloete, Brian Gurirab, Hartman Toromba, Johannes Seibeb, Freedom Puriza, Jamunovandu Ngatjizeko, Letu Shatumwene, Jeremia Mbaisako, Richard Biwa, Arent von Stryk, Jens Schonesa, Henzel Subeb, Brian Brendell, Percy Khairabeb and Congo Hindjou Coaches are – Brian Isaacs, Dawid Snewe and Ronnie KanaleloThe winner on July 23 will play in the semi-finals of the competition against other three nations.Namibia at this stage consist of a Presidents XI team which was called into camp this week to prepare for several local matches, but non competitve matches.The absence of the coach is currently the biggest concern for the side which consist of many players who have not played much on the international arena.The Namibia Football Association (NFA) confirmed the appointment of former Zambians assistant coach Ben Baumfuchile, but they still need to make an announcement on his appointment.Baumfuchile is said to have accepted the offer, but the NFA has been mum on making it public.With Baumfuchile still trying to decide on his future with the Brave Warriors, time is running out for the players to get used to his coaching style.Namibia, compared to Botswana has not played a single international match for a year and two months, compared to their neighbours who have already played 15 competitive matches over that period.Zambia has been involved in the African Nations Cup this year and their strengths are unlikely to be matched by the Namibians, who have been coachless, while there has no regular team in place.Namibia stands a good chance to play against Zambia or Malawi, as Seychelles are not regarded as a big footballing nation.This week, Namibian football technical director, Seth Boois announced that the Presidents XI will be involved in a friendly match against Angolan side Premeiro de Agosto, indicating that Orlando Pirates coach Brian Isaacs will be leading the team.The team that has been called-up consist of 31 players in total and their only match is scheduled for June 23 against the former Angolan league champions.Meanwhile, Isaacs informed Nampa that the team kicked off with training sessions on Monday and that they will train twice a day at the University of Namibia (Unam) Sport Field.The players in camp are: Esau Tjiuoro, Zico Paulus, Arnold Subeb, Andrew Tjahikika, Ivan Namaseb, Michael Pienaar, Donely Nell, Moses Katjiteo, Gerry Keister, Lolo Goraseb, Rudolph Bester, Nelson Akwenye, Victor Helu, Johannes Hawala, Meraai Swartbooi, Heinrich Isaacks, Riaan Cloete, Brian Gurirab, Hartman Toromba, Johannes Seibeb, Freedom Puriza, Jamunovandu Ngatjizeko, Letu Shatumwene, Jeremia Mbaisako, Richard Biwa, Arent von Stryk, Jens Schonesa, Henzel Subeb, Brian Brendell, Percy Khairabeb and Congo Hindjou Coaches are – Brian Isaacs, Dawid Snewe and Ronnie Kanalelo