Kavango East have also been affected by the split in the region, but according to coach Alfeus Haiyambo, their preparations have gone well.
“Our preparations have gone well but we had some setbacks like our learners could only join us after 16h00 from school for training. But we have prepared well and last weekend we travelled to different constituencies for some practise matches. We won all our matches, beating Mukwe constituency 2-0, Ndiyona constituency 4-1 and Masare constituency 4-1,” he said.
“We are the defending champions but our region has been split in two so now it will be more difficult to retain the title. But we have an experienced squad and five of our players from last year have remained in the squad,” he added.
They are the goalkeeper George Siyemo, defender Chihinga Haingura, midfielders Jessy Nanyemba and Patrick Petrus, who both play for Cuca Tops in the North East First Division, and their playmaker midfielder Esra Nauala.
They also have four young players who last year still played for their U17 team.
According to Haiyambo, the split of the region has affected the team adversely, with several players now not available anymore.
“A lot of our players are in Kavango West now, including our top goalscorer from last year. But we will have to find a way,” he said.
Haiyambo said their triumph last year was due to their good preparation and team work.
“The team was very well prepared last year and everyone from the players to the technical team played a part in our success. This year it will be more difficult, but we are the cup holders and we have to defend our title,” he said.
Kavango East have been drawn in Group D along with Zambezi and Kavango West.
Kavango East squad:
1 George Siyemo (Eastern Chiefs)
2 Engelbert Muranda (Cuca Tops)
3 Chihinga Haingura (Cuca Tops)
4 Rughuru Rughuru (Eastern Chiefs)
5 Frans Namufinda (Bingo)
6 Mario Kandjimi (Young Chiefs)
7 Immanuel Munango (Young Tops)
8 Joseph Kasanga (Young Chiefs)
9 Esra Nauala (Sitendu Eleven)
10 Jessy Nanyemba (Cuca Tops)
11 Alfeus Haikera (Special Eleven)
12 Patrick Petrus (Cuca Tops)
13 Paulus Shampapi (Cuca Tops)
14 Frans Shikusho (Ntunguru)
15 Felix Kapinga (Young Tops)
17 Donatus Ipinge (Bingo)
18 Immanuel Ukule (RVTC)
19 Shilongo Kufumana (Cuca Tops)
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!
