NFA summons U20s for Cosafa qualifiers in Mozambique
Football
After a worrisome delay in getting a squad assembled, preparations can finally get underway.
The Namibian Football Association (NFA) has officially called up the under-20 boys national men’s squad, to report for camp in preparation for the upcoming Cosafa U20 tournament in Mozambique. The tournament is scheduled from 26 September to 5 October 2024 and will serve as a qualifier for the 2025 Total Energies U20 AFCON.
Following a brief delay in recent weeks, the team will gather at NFA’s Football House in Katutura today, with training set to begin on Friday.
In an interview yesterday, head coach James Britz emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and careful assessment during the camp.
“We will be having training sessions twice daily, with a lot of friendly matches lined up to properly evaluate the squad,” Britz said.
“We will be focusing on tactical and technical aspects, ensuring the team is well-prepared both with and without the ball.”
Furthermore, Britz acknowledged the current uncertainty around the final number of players who will make the cut for the tour, as that decision is ultimately determined by Cosafa regulations.
“We have to be smart in managing the workload to avoid injuries,” he added.
Players to watch
One of the stand-out names in the squad is former U17 national team captain, 17 year old Tjinatso Kakuenje, who has consistently impressed with his leadership skills and strong ball ability.
Another exciting prospect is the inclusion of two foreign-based players, Nicolas Deckenbrock (16) and Antonius Guiseb (16) – the youngest in the selcted squad, but expected to bring some international experience.
Deckenbrock is a midfielder and currently plays for Cape Town based club Rygersdal, while Guiseb is a central defender at University of Pretoria (AmaTuks).
Guiseb scooped Tuks player of the year after his impressive debut season in the Gauteng U15 Development League last year.
Full list of U20 players called to camp (in alphabetic order):
Godwin Beukes (29/10/2006) – Central midfielder (Hardap)
Nicolas Deckenbrock (12/02/2008) – Central midfielder (SA/Rygersdal)
Eugene Frederick (07/03/2005) – Central midfielder (?Kharas)
Bigley Gamiseb (19/05/2005) – Right defender (Erongo)
Engilio Goagoseb (26/02/2005) – Central midfielder (Ongos)
Antonius Guiseb (19/04/2008) – Right defender (TUKS FC/SA)
Florendino Gurirab (12/01/2005) – Left midfielder (Erongo)
Puis Haingura (11/11/2005) – Striker (Kavango East)
Robert Hihepa (07/07/2006) – Central midfielder (Oshikoto)
Chris Hoaseb (27/10/2005) – Striker (Kunene)
Ivan Hoeb (04/07/2005) – Central defender (Erongo)
Maurizio January (01/04/2005) – Central midfielder (Erongo)
Micheal Jonas (17/06/2006) – Striker (Eeshoke Chula Chula)
Tjinatso Kakuenje (12/04/2007) – Central defender (Kaizen Football Academy)
Tjinaotjiva Kambirongo (08/09/2005) – Left midfielder (Young African)
John Kamulunga (14/01/2005) – Left defender (Khomas)
Ngahape Kasoana (12/09/2006) – Central midfielder (Omaheke)
Punaye Katjimune (06/06/2005) – Right midfielder (Omaheke)
Dicco Maletzky (08/04/2005) – Goalkeeper (Spoilers FC)
Namayambona Matengu (05/12/2006) – Central defender (Zambezi)
Lukas Mbamba (24/12/2005) – Central midfielder (Kavango East)
Vevangapi Mbuende (05/11/2005) – Central midfielder (Unam)
Nalumino Musweu (25/08/2005) – Central defender (Zambezi)
Ruben Nkama (21/04/2005) – Right defender (Okahandja United)
Hensley Ndyenge (15/01/2005) – Goalkeeper (Oshikoto)
Tuhafeni Nghuushi (07/02/2005) – Left midfielder (Ohangwena)
Tulonga Petrus (21/07/2005) – Central midfielder (Oshana)
Branco Rukoro (01/04/2005) – Goalkeeper (Omaheke)
Sion Shatilwapo (25/10/2005) – Left defender (Omaheke)
Kaveripura Tjambeni (14/03/2005) – Goalkeeper (Omusati)
Punaje Vita (29/01/2005) – Striker (Unam)