Namibia/Malawi: New-Look Squad to Take On Malawi

Windhoek

The Namibian selectors have named a new-look squad in preparation for the friendly match against Malawi in Windhoek on March 26.

Only seven members of Namibia's squad for the AFCON finals in Ghana remain in the squad, while half of the 26-man squad consists of new call-ups. The only remaining members from Ghana are goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha, defenders Michael Pienaar, Franklin April and Gottlieb Nakuta, midfielders Brian Brendell and Jamu Ngatjizeko and striker Muna Katupose.

Amongst the goalkeepers, national Under 20 keeper Max Mbaeva joins Athiel Mbaha after a fine performance against South Africa U20 on March 8.

The newcomers in defence are Andrew Tjahikika and Dennis Ngueza of African Stars and Steve Goaxab of Orlando Pirates, while Ramblers defender Dylan Mieze is recalled to the squad after an absence of five years.

In midfield, Bradley Werman of Ramblers, Marco van Wyk of Cymot SKW and Da Costa Angula of Black Africa receive well-deserved call-ups after impressive performances in the Premier League.

Other newcomers include Percy Khairabeb of Mighty Gunners, Tobias Mekondjo of Blue Waters and Erastus Mpasi of Northern Stream first division outfit Rundu Chiefs.

Tara Katupose of Oshakati City and Nelson Akwenye of Ramblers who represented Namibia in friendly matches last year, but didn't make the final squad to Ghana, are both recalled to the squad.

Orlando Pirates' young striker Eusebio Fredericks gets his first call up to the senior team after an impressive performance for Namibia U20 against South Africa in the Namibian Challenge on March 8, where he won the Player of the Tournament award.

Another newcomer amongst the strikers is Sageus Narimab of Mighty Gunners, while Jerome Louis of Black Africa, who has yet to make his senior debut, is back in the training squad.

Eleven Arrows striker Reinhold Andimba, who won his only cap against Saudi Arabia last year is recalled to the squad.

The friendly against Malawi will give new coach Arie Schans an opportunity to assess the team ahead of a very busy schedule.

Hectic schedule On May 4 Namibia will play Zimbabwe away in Harare in the first leg of the new African Nations Championship (CHAN) competition, with the return leg taking place in Windhoek on the weekend of May 16-18.

If Namibia beats Zimbabwe, they will face the winner between South Africa and Mauritius away on November 28 and at home on December 13.

The winner will represent the Southern Zone at the CHAN finals in the Ivory Coast from February 22 to March 8, 2009.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to launch the CHAN competition to help develop local-based talent, since only local-based players are allowed to represent their countries in this competition.

World Cup qualifying Namibia start their World Cup African Group 2 qualifying campaign at home to Kenya on May 31.

On June 6 they once again face Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers in Harare, to be followed by home and away matches against Guinea on June 13 and 20 respectively.

Their final World Cup preliminary qualifiers are against Kenya in Nairobi on September 5 and against Zimbabwe in Windhoek on October 10.

Only the winning team in Group 2 will progress to the next round of qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.