Corry Ihuhua
30 October 2008
The Namibian under-17 football team manager, Jakes Amaning, says his side must beat Malawi in their upcoming second-round home leg of the African Youth Championships in Windhoek on November 8.
The Baby Warriors, who had a phenomenal path in the tournament, are on the threshold of making it into the final of the competition, provided they beat Malawi in both legs of the second-round matches.
"We should beat Malawi at home and we should beat them well.
It will be a very important match for us as we it will be the first time that Namibia will send a youth team to the finals of the youth competition.
We never came this close before," Amaning said.
The side has been in camp for 14 days now and Amaning is confident that the players who dismissed Zambia from the tournament will also do well against Malawi.
In fact, Malawi ousted South Africa in the preliminary rounds and are currently favourites to go past the Namibians, but Amaning thinks otherwise.
"At the moment, our team has really grown into a steady combination.
I respect them (Malawi), but I have full confidence in our players.
The coaches have really done a lot up to now and the players have shown the eagerness to go all the way," he said.
At the moment, there are 25 players in camp and have so far played in four friendly matches to prepare for the encounter.
The side has played against Namibia Premier League (NPL) outfits such Orlando Pirates, Black Africa and Ramblers, while they also took on first division side Monitronic.
Amaning said they explained to the players how crucial the upcoming two matches against Malawi would be.
"We said to them that these are two of their most important matches in their football career.
They need to win at all costs against Malawi and go to the finals.
The finals in Algeria will be the ultimate window of opportunity for them as there will be a lot of scouts who will be looking for raw talent," he said.
He said the youngsters need to work hard now and beat Malawi convincingly.
"By the way we have been preparing, it looks all positive, I can say.
We have good players and I want to believe that we will get those wins," said Amaning.
He said despite the fact that some players were busy writing exams, school teachers and principals have been understanding and allowed them to train for the national side too.
He thanked the Namibia Schools' Sport Union (NSSU) for helping out with the arrangements for the players to balance their schoolwork and training for the national side.
GOOD SUPPORT Amaning said the Namibia Football Association (NFA) also needs praise for ensuring that money was available for the training camps, while the association through its secretariat and president John Muinjo has expressed commitment to make the side fulfil its international obligations.
Amaning also called the support of the football-loving community, the media and the parents to rally behind the team, as it stands on the brink of a major breakthrough in youth football.
The under-17 players currently in camp are: Edward Akwaake, Collin Ndjaii, Sakeus Wilbard, Oswaldo Xamseb, Leeroy Angula, Clerence Engelbrecht, Tariq Claasen, Eslin Kamuhanga, Gerson Asheelo, Neville Tjiueza, Sylvester Ortmann, Petrus Shitembi, Ryan Gariseb, Benson Shilongo, Samuel Urikhob, Dene Swartz, Gregorius Isaak, Himeezembi Kaustaa, Ukarapo Katjiteo, Libus Mwatilefu, Robson Iyambo and Muwana Mwala.
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