Brave Warriors veteran striker Henrico Botes has been included in the 24-man squad that is preparing for the 2015 CAF Nations Cup qualifiers second leg match in Pointe-Noire, Congo on 1 June 2014.
National coach Ricardo Mannetti said the inclusion of the fit-again Botes was a bonus for the team and their chances of qualification to the next round.
“Henrico is an experienced player who has been there and done that. He is back from injury and his mere presence in the team is comforting for the younger players. He can score goals and most importantly, the tactics we are going to employ will suit him very well and that is why we included him in the squad,” revealed Mannetti.
Mannetti also congratulated the media for their role in the Warriors first leg 1-0 victory over Congo before commending his players for a job well done.
He was however quick to point and that they expect a tough encounter in Congo and will have to play their best football yet.
“To be honest a 1-0 first leg win is not comfortable, but we have the edge and now we will go there and try to play Congo off the pitch. We can create chances and I have faith and confidence in my players that we can and have to play much better in Congo. We have to play to our strength which is to keep the ball and add speed to it as well,” he said.
Mannetti also commended the NFA for their decision to take a chartered plane to Congo: “the travel will surely be ideal and it will mean less fatigue for the players, and just to go and play and come back will be vital for us,” Mannetti said.
NFA Secretary General Barry Rukoro confirmed the chartered plane move but called on Brave Warriors supporters to come on board as well to foot the bill of booking the plane.
“We will get the 110-seater plane from Air Namibia and we need about 70 supporters on-board. The Brave Warriors will take about 30 people and it will just be three hours to get there and three more to come back.
The cost of airfare for those interested will be communicated by Wednesday, 21 May and interested persons are also urged to make their own accommodation and meal arrangement in Pointe-Noire, Congo.
The team will camp from Thursday night at Safari Hotel and here is the squad of 24 men:
Max Mbaeva (African Stars), Virgil Vries (Maritzburg United, SA), Charles Uirab (Orlando Pirates), Edward Maova (Civics FC), Willem Mwedihanga (Amazulu SA), Denzil Haoseb (Black Africa), Da Costa Angula and Ananias Gebhardt ( both Black Africa FC), Ronald Ketjijere (c) (University of Pretoria), Freedom Puriza and Dennis Ngueza (both African Stars), Emilio Martin, Willy Stephanus (both Black Africa), Hendrik Somaeb (Blue Waters) Neville Tjiueza (Tura Magic), Petrus Shitembi (Amazulu, SA), Heinrich Isaacks (Maritzburg United, SA), Nekundi Panduleni (Tigers FC), Wangu Gomes (civics), Rudolf Bester (Golden Arrows, SA), Lazarus Kaimbi (Bangkok Class, Thailand), Tangeni Shipahu (Otsotspa, Thailand), Henrico Botes (Platinum Stars, SA) and Jerome Louis (Township Rollers Botswana).
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
