Namibia U23 coach John Sikerete has confirmed his final squad for the CAF Olympic qualifying campaign, with the Junior Warriors set to meet Angola in the first round.
Namibia will begin the two-legged contest away from home, travelling to Luanda for the first leg on 28 September. The return match will be played in Botswana on 5 October, with the aggregate result determining which team advances to the next round.
Sikerete has selected a 23-player squad for the encounter, with the group including players from the Namibia Premier Football League.
The Namibia coach has been overseeing preparations for the tie as the team works towards being ready for the demands of international competition.
Training has focused on developing understanding within the squad, improving the team’s tactical approach and ensuring the players are prepared physically and mentally for the two matches.
The players have also continued to work towards the opening game with determination, with attention now turning to carrying their preparations into the contest against Angola.
Because qualification will be decided across two matches, Namibia will be aiming to produce a positive result in Luanda before returning to Botswana for the second leg.
The first meeting on 28 September will therefore provide Namibia with its opening opportunity to establish an advantage in the tie. The decisive return fixture will follow on 5 October.
The 23-man squad includes three goalkeepers, a group of defenders and midfielders, and several attacking options.
The goalkeepers selected are Mutjinde Brango Rukoro, Engeleberth Kapinga Disho and Hensley Pandeni Wilson Ndyenge.
The defensive options are Matengu Namayabona, Sion Godwil Amenenge Shatilwapo, Simon Mpasi Ndumba, Tjinaotjiua Kambirongo, Robert Mandume Hihepa and Mbuende Vevangapi.
In midfield, Sikerete has named Punai Je Katjimune, Uaunguraije Katjirua, Denzil Darren Umati, Michael Nghitukwavali Jonas, Pondasanee Mbomboro, Musweu Nalumino, Johani Junior Sazita, Collin Paha Lebohang Martin and Tulongа Frans Petrus.
The attacking players selected are Hendrick Florendino Gurirab, Christiaan Lucky Somseb, Ngahepa Kasaona, Lucas Siyave Megameno Mbamba and Engilio Fidelius Goagoseb.
The squad will now continue its preparations for the opening encounter, with the technical team focused on building cohesion and refining the team’s approach.
Sikerete’s side will need to manage the demands of the two-match tie, with the outcome over the two legs deciding who progresses.
For Namibia, the immediate task is the trip to Luanda for the first meeting with Angola. The Junior Warriors will then have the opportunity to settle the contest when they host the return fixture in Botswana on 5 October.
The team enters the qualifying campaign having completed preparations designed to improve its tactical organisation and strengthen its readiness for international competition.
With the squad now confirmed, the focus shifts to the first leg as Namibia begin their bid to advance through the Olympic qualifying rounds.
The Junior Warriors will be hoping their work in training translates into a strong display in Luanda before the decisive second leg in Botswana.
