Samaria pleased with fitness levels
Interim Brave Warriors coach Bobby Samaria says he is pleased with the players’ overall fitness level after the fitness test ahead of a friendly match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
The international friendly, which is slated for 8 October in South Africa, will see a local Warriors squad squaring off against Bafana in what has been termed a crucial preparatory match for both countries as they look ahead to their upcoming 2020 Cosafa Cup and African Nations Championship ( Chan) campaigns as well as the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in November.
Speaking to Namibia Football Association (NFA) yesterday, the interim coach said that after conducting a fitness test last week, it was revealed that the fitness level of half the team was below the threshold, however, this week statistics show that players have tremendously improved on both fitness and technique levels.
“Breathing is more controlled and composed now compared to the way things were last week. Their touches on the ball were rusty, but it has improved by at least 70%-80% which is a good sign,” Samaria told the NFA
He further added that he is impressed with the adaptation of African Stars’ newly calledup player, Alfeus Handura.
“Quite a several people have been asking why I called him up amidst an inactive league, which is understandable, but I have coached Handura and know him as a disciplined player with a great fighting spirit. His impact on the team is evident through the way he brings heat to the defensive midfielders, pushing them to up their game,” added Samaria.
Samaria will announce the final squad to travel to South Africa towards the end of this week.
The 35- man squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Rat anda Mbazuvar a , Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Jonas Matheus and Immanuel Immanuel. Defenders: Emilio Martin, Vitapi Ngaruka, Ivan Kamberipa, Pat-Nevin Uanivi, Larry Horaeb, Gregory Aukumeb, Approcius Petrus, Rehabeam Mbango, Tjiuana Tja Tjinotjiua, Erasmus Ikeinge, Johannes Mutanga, Denzil Haoseb, Kleopas Nuukushu. Midfielders: Dynamo Fre d e r i c k s , Immanuel Heita, Ambrosius Amseb, Wendell Rudath, Gustav Isaak, Alfeus Handura, Llewelyn Stanley, Absalom Iimbondi, Wesley Katjiteo, Marcel Papama, Brandon Neibeb, and Willy Stephanus. Forwards: Elmo Kambindu, Issaskar Gurirab, Panduleni Nekundi, Mapanzi Muwanei, Monis Omseb and Hendrik Somaeb. -NFA.org.na