Ricardo Mannetti wants more Namibians playing in foreign leagues

Ricardo Mannetti

Monday Jul 11, 2016. 14:18

Namibia national team coach Ricardo Mannetti says he wants 20 national team players plying their trade in foreign leagues.

Mannetti is quoted by the National Football Association's official website saying he'd like to see his charges playing in the South African Premier Soccer League among others.

His comments follow reports suggesting that a number of Brave Warriors players are said to be leaving the Namibian Premier League; which Mannetti is fully behind.

“It is good to read about my players finding new homes in the PSL and the First division in SA," said Mannetti.

"And I just hope the numbers can keep increasing to at least more than 20 players outside so that we can have options in terms of that exposure."

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On the other hand, the former international midfielder has appealed to the player agents to ensure they get game time to guarantee match fitness and selection into the national team.

“The risk of our players going overseas is huge in terms of lack of game time and that negatively affects my planning as well," adds the coach.

"We need active players that make a difference at their clubs so that they can boost the Brave Warriors as well.

"It doesn’t matter whether they play First Division or PSL or any other league, the exposure to play against different players from the local boys here is what matters in international football.

"Local guys too have their unique role and quality to play as well."

Namibian internationals in South Africa include Maximillian Mbaeva (Golden Arrows), Deon Hotto (Bloemfontein Celtic), Ronald Ketjijere, Willem Nwedihanga (both University of Pretoria), Wangu Gome (Bidvest Wits) and Peter Shalulile (Highlands Park).