Warriors in stern DRC test

THE Brave Warriors technical staff have no choice but to go with the available players for their international friendly match against DR Congo at the Independence Stadium tomorrow. Kick-off is at 15h00.

Warriors mentor Tom Saintfiet yesterday announced a final squad of 19 players who will form part of his team to face the Leopards in the Fifa-sanctioned match.The Warriors camp has been rocked by late injuries, last-minute withdrawals and players who could not be released in time.The final team includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and three strikers. Hotspurs midfield-cum-striker Edward Asino was a late inclusion.ABSENTA total of eight foreign-based internationals who were called to camp did not turn up. Some were not released by their clubs, some could not be traced, and two are injured.These players include the Risser brothers Wilko and Oliver, who could not be released in time, Razundara Tjikuzu and Letu Shatimuene, whose whereabouts could not be confirmed, and Sidney Plaatjies, who was until yesterday not available.Michael Pienaar and Lazarus Kaimbi were released prior to the training camp due to injuries and no replacements for them were made at the time.With three goalkeepers on the bench and a host of defenders, it means that Namibia will once again be forced to go for a defensive pattern, although most of the midfielders are offensive players.Saintfiet and his assistant Brian Isaacs will hope for quick counter-attacks from his midfielders, while the strikers will be expected to be opportunistic and at their sharpest.Henrico Botes will lead the striking force alongside Rudolf Bester and Heinrich Isaacks, while in midfield Quinton Jacobs will call the shots.In essence, there is a huge responsibility on the foreign-based players in the side, as their experience at this level will be invaluable.STRONG TEAMDR Congo has sent a strong squad that will go for an all-out win and Namibia cannot afford to disappoint on home soil.It is no secret that the Namibian team only had one week to prepare for this encounter, but this cannot be used as an excuse.The Namibian defence is experienced, but the question is whether they will be able to contain the pressure for 90 minutes.In the past, a lack of concentration in the last stages of the match cost the Warriors dearly.The defence will be key to the Warriors to keep a clean score-sheet, but the midfielders and strikers must take it upon themselves to create chances and make use of them. It will possibly the toughest test for Saintfiet yet, but with motivated players and supportive fans, a win cannot be ruled out. See full squad elsewhere on this page. corry@namibian.com.na