nc15-Ohangwena Region

Ohangwena have not been very successful in the Namibian Newspaper Cup with their only achievement of note coming in 2010 when they finished as runners-up in the tournament.

This year they have assembled a talented squad, but coach Linnox Kanyeha said their preparations had started a bit late.

“We started a bit late with our preparations and have been working on the boys’ fitness levels. Over the last three days we will focus more on their tactical play,” he said.

“Most of the boys are still 16 or 17 years old because we decided to implement a development squad so that we can have largely the same squad in 2016 as well,” he added.

By the time of writing they had not played any matches yet, but had lined up a few.

“We have lined up a friendly againstYoung Chiefs who are leading the North East First Division, to see how far the boys have come,” Kanyeha said.

They have several key players, including goalkeeper Michael Nalukaku who plays in the Namibia Premier League for Rundu-based Julinho Sporting.

Striker Peter Amunyela, who plays for Further Fighters in the Ohangwena Second Division is highly rated, as is attacking midfielder Ndali Hangula who plays for Oshikango Chiefs in the North East First Division.

Another highly rated player is their 18-year-old central defender Andreas Neliwa who plays for Oshikango Chiefs.

“I was given a mandate to build for the future, so we have a very young squad and only three of our players from last year’s squad have remained. We will aim for to make the semi-finals, and if we reach that, anything can happen,” he said.

Kanyeha said the tournament meant a lot to the players.

“This tournament means a lot to the players and helps to motivate them. We haven’t done very well in the past, so we are now looking forward to making the people of Ohangwena proud,” he said.

Ohangwena will play in Group A along with Oshana, Omaheke and Hardap.

Ohangwena Squad:

1. Micheal Nalukaku (Julinho Sporting)

2. Wilhelm Hamukwaya (Further Fighters)

3. Andreas Neliwa (Oshikango Chiefs)

4. Tobias Nanghaku (Mukwamalanga)

5. Sabastian Haindongo (Mukwamalanga)

6. Gottlieb Kashimbode (Young Tops)

7. Jona Angombe (Hope Academy)

8. Touben Toivo (Mwadinomho United)

9. Frans Haikela (Further Fighters)

10. Ndali Hangula Natangwe (Oshikango Chiefs)

11. Josef Shitaleni (Hope Academy)

12. Naande David (Major Power)

14. Salom Shimaneni (Tangi Hope Academy)

15. Shonyeka Salom (Mama Love)

16. Isack Titus (Major Power)