Ricardo Manetti thanks Namibians for support

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Jul 18, 2017. 12:30

Namibia national team coach Ricardo Manetti says he got emotional when he saw their fans coming in numbers to support his troops.

The Brave Warriors beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in the first leg of their 2018 CAF African Champions qualifier on Sunday.

Although they did not do well in 2017 COSAFA Cup in South Africa, Namibia managed to beat the COSAFA champions at home as they boosted their chances en route to Kenya in 2018.

“On Thursday I called on 10 000 to come and see us play but I was caught completely off guard,” said Manetti.

NAMIBIA DOWN ZIMBABWE

“To see so many people gets me very emotional and determined not to disappoint them and when we got the goal, I paused and then celebrated; it was unbelievable how many people were at the stadium.

“It was just incredible and I wanted and prayed for that moment to last until the end. Thank you Namibia.”

On the other hand, the Namibian Football Association's secretary general, Barry Rukoro added he was equally elated.

“As an Association we work very hard to make sure we have the best of football in this country and we will continue to explore and imagine the best for the people’s game,” said Rukoro.

“On Sunday Namibians again displayed unreserved love for the national team and it remains our wish to have as many more internationals at home and bring our people together in harmony and unity like on Sunday and of course with a desired result of winning.”

The two nations will meet again on Sunday, 23 July at the Harare Sports Stadium for their second leg encounter.