Warriors to renew rivalry against Bafana

THE Brave Warriors will renew their old rivalry against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana when the two nations engage in an international friendly at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on August 16.

The match, which is likely to see a handful of younger players being fielded by both countries, promises to produce fireworks. The match is in accordance with Fifa’s calendar for international matches on the continent.Meanwhile, the Warriors have all been released at this stage and are expected to report for camp on August 6.All the foreign-based professionals will have to report at least three days before the match, an official confirmed yesterday.Namibia has twice beaten South Africa in Windhoek and both wins were during the Cosafa Castle Cup matches in 1998 and 1999.In the first year Namibia beat a star-studded Bafana Bafana side 3-2 at the Independence Stadium with goals coming from Stanley Goagoseb, Bimbo Tjihero and Berlin Auchumeb.That match possibly remains the most unforgettable for defender Tjihero who struck from over 30 metres to beat famous SA goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.Thabo Mooki and Phil Masinga were on target for South Africa.In the same year, Namibia lost 4-1 to South Africa in an African Nations Cup match in Burkina Faso, a match that Namibia’s Ronnie Kanalelo won’t easily forget.The following year, Namibia won 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw with goals from Congo Hindjou and Pollen Ndlanya.This time, the match could sway in any direction as South Africa are no longer the major force they used to be in southern Africa.The new Namibian coach, Ben Bamfuchile, gathered a relatively inexperienced side for the recent Cosafa Castle Cup matches, but most showed character and a will to succeed in the future.They need to concentrate on the poor finishing of the strikers that led to their downfall.The match is in accordance with Fifa’s calendar for international matches on the continent.Meanwhile, the Warriors have all been released at this stage and are expected to report for camp on August 6.All the foreign-based professionals will have to report at least three days before the match, an official confirmed yesterday.Namibia has twice beaten South Africa in Windhoek and both wins were during the Cosafa Castle Cup matches in 1998 and 1999.In the first year Namibia beat a star-studded Bafana Bafana side 3-2 at the Independence Stadium with goals coming from Stanley Goagoseb, Bimbo Tjihero and Berlin Auchumeb.That match possibly remains the most unforgettable for defender Tjihero who struck from over 30 metres to beat famous SA goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.Thabo Mooki and Phil Masinga were on target for South Africa.In the same year, Namibia lost 4-1 to South Africa in an African Nations Cup match in Burkina Faso, a match that Namibia’s Ronnie Kanalelo won’t easily forget.The following year, Namibia won 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw with goals from Congo Hindjou and Pollen Ndlanya.This time, the match could sway in any direction as South Africa are no longer the major force they used to be in southern Africa.The new Namibian coach, Ben Bamfuchile, gathered a relatively inexperienced side for the recent Cosafa Castle Cup matches, but most showed character and a will to succeed in the future.They need to concentrate on the poor finishing of the strikers that led to their downfall.