Several new faces for Namibia in FIFA World Cup qualifier squad
Namibia have included several fresh faces in a 30-man squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Malawi and Equatorial Guinea as they seek to keep up their bid to qualify for the 2026 finals.
Coach Collin Benjamin picked 14 foreign-based players and 16 from the Namibian league for the home game, including the uncapped Petrus Kamati and Penda Mongudhi from league leaders Young African and Mighty Gunners’ defenders Sergio Damaseb and Sisqo Haraseb.
But Benjamin will again look to his regulars to keep up their chances as they sit second in Group H on eight points, trailing leaders Tunisia by two points.
The foreign-based players are led by Mamelodi Sundowns’ striker Peter Shalulile and veteran left winger Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates.
There are six other players from the topflight in South Africa and three in the second tier, plus three from Botswana.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Lloyd Kazapua (Sekukhune United, South Africa), Ndisiro Kamaijanda (Highbury, South Africa), Edward Maova (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa)
Defenders: Sergio Damaseb (Mighty Gunners), Tuhafeni David (Blue Waters), Charles Hambira (African Stars), Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu, South Africa), Sisqo Haraseb (Mighty Gunners), Tyrese Hikupembe, Bonifasius Josef (both UNAM), Petrus Kamati (Young African), Ivan Kamberipa (Orapa, Botswana), Ngero Katua (African Stars), Johannes Mutanga (Blue Waters)
Midfielders: Paulus Amutenya (UNAM), Dynamo Fredericks (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Elias Haindongo (KK Palace), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Alfeus Leevi (Blue Waters), Penda Mongudhi (Young African), Aprocius Petrus (Cape Town City, South Africa), Moses Shidolo (Matebele, Botswana), Mbakondja Tjahikika (African Stars), Prins Tjiueza (Cape Town City, South Africa),
Forwards: Joslin Kamatuka (Durban City, South Africa), Elmo Kambindu (AmaZulu, South Africa), Wiseman Lifasi (Julinho Athletic), Bethuel Muzeu (Black Leopards, South Africa), Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Willy Stephanus (African Stars).