Namibia name squad at last minute for South Africa friendly

Despite their international men’s football friendly against South Africa looming this week, Namibia only on Wednesday named their 30-man squad for the clash.

The match will take place in Rustenburg, with a 7 pm start.

Star striker Peter Shalulile makes the team and will surely lead the line against South Africa, while defenders Chris Katjiukua, Riaan Hanamub and Ananias Gebhardt join Emilio Martin and Denzil Haoseb in the final squad.

The match will be Namibia’s first since they lost 2-0 in Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November last year, and is a welcome return to international football.

The team jetted out on Tuesday on a charter flight by Air Namibia.

Namibia Football Association president Ranga Haikali praised the national airline for their prompt support to the team.

“Times are tough and Covid-19 has ravaged the world. It was always going to be challenging for us to travel,” Haikali said.

“Thanks to Air Namibia for hearing my plea and making this trip possible. It will surely go a long way in helping the boys focus and prepare for the battle against South Africa and the road ahead.”

Namibia squad:
Goalkeepers: Ratanda Mbazuvara, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Lodyt Kazapua, Virgil Vries

Defenders: Chris Katjiukua, Riaan Hanamub, Gebhardt Ananias, Emilio Martin, Vitapi Ngaruka, Larry Horaeb, Approcius Petrus, Rehabeam Mbango, Erasmus Ikeinge, Denzil Haoseb, Kleopas Nuukushu

Midfielders: Dynamo Fredericks, Immanuel Heita, Wendell Rudath, Gustav Isaak, Alfeus Handura, Llewelyn Stanley, Absalom Iimbondi, Wesley Katjiteo, Marcel Papama

Forwards: Elmo Kambindu, Issaskar Gurirab, Panduleni Nekundi, Monis Omseb, Peter Shalulile, Joslin Kamatuka

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo