Mannetti: I picked the right Namibian players for AFCON

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday Jun 11, 2019. 13:00

Nambia head coach Ricardo Mannetti has named Namibia's final 23-man squad ahead of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Egypt.

Players left out of the final squad are Virgil Vries, Chris Katjiukua, Teberius Lombard, Benjamen Nenkavu and Wesley Katjiteo.

Explaining the selection for the final team, Mannetti stated that tactics, conditioning, performance and attitude during the last two weeks were areas of concentration.

"Those are the pillars of our decision. Also the inclusion of Ryan Nyambe at the back, his versatility is key for the changes at the back," Mannetti said.

The coach added that this might not be the best team, but it is the right team for the competition.

"We feel this team has the right energy, they are right for the tactics and will represent Namibia to the best of their abilities. These are the right players with the right work ethic and harmony," he added.

The Brave Warriors are in Group D at the 32nd Afcon finals and will play Morocco on June 23 before taking on South Africa on June 28, both at Al Salam Stadium. They will play their final group game against Ivory Coast on 1 July at Cairo International Stadium.

Brave Warriors squad for AFCON Finals:

Ratanda Mbazuvara, Loydt Kazapua, Max Mbaeva, Ryan Nyambe, Larry Horaeb, Denzil Haoseb, Ivan Kamberipa, Charles Hambira, Riaan Hanamub, Ananias Gebhardt, Absalom Iimbondi, Willy Stephanus, Petrus Shitembi, Ronald Ketjijere, Dynamo Fredericks, Marcel Papama, Manfred Starke, Deon Hotto, Itamunua Keimuine, Benson Shilongo, Peter Shalulile, Joslyn Kamatuka and Isaskar Gurirab.