Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti: I’m going home from CHAN with pride

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Jan 30, 2018. 16:30

Despite losing 2-0 to Morocco at the 2018 CAF African Nations Championship on Saturday, Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti says they are going home proud.

After beating Cote d’Ivoire and Uganda in Group B, the Brave Warriors saw their participation coming to an end when they lost to hosts Atlas Lions at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.

However, Mannetti said he cannot talk about the referee and he insists he will fight for his team because the game is filled with emotions.

On the other hand, the ex-midfielder also urged the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) clubs to take African club competitions seriously if local football is to improve.

"I will not talk about the referee. I'm a coach and will only fight for my team. Football is an emotional game and as a coach I fight for my team and I did that tonight because I wanted my team to win but now it's over," said Mannetti.

"NPL clubs should take continental football seriously to improve our level otherwise these other countries will keep on getting better and we always catch up and that is not ideal.

"Overall, we came here and worked ourselves out of the group stage, certainly a magnificent achievement to reach this stage.

“No one ever gave us a chance but we worked hard for it. I'm happy for the boys tonight and the whole tournament and we are going home proud."