NAMIBIA have named a strong 20-member squad ahead of the January 15 international friendly match against the Chipolopolo set for the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, venue of Zambia's 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Group C match against Ethiopia.

Coach Bernard Kaanjuka has included South African Premier League (PSL) players who include Platinum Stars' striker Henrico Botes, named the league's best player for November and December, Ronald Ketjijere of Pretoria University and the Orlando Pirates reserve striker Rudolph Bester.

But it is not yet clear whether the trio would be allowed to play in the friendly game as it does not fall under the FIFA calendar and more especially that the PSL clubs would be busy with mid-season preparations.

According to SuperSport, the match on January 15 falls outside of the FIFA calendar and the South African clubs, who will be busy with their mid-season preparations, are under no obligation to release the players.

The match would be played exactly six days before the Chipolopolo begin the defence of their AFCON title against Ethiopia on January 21. Efraim Tjihonge of National First Division club Milano FC is also in the squad.

Namibia, who have recalled the Thailand based striker Tangeni Shipahu who was previously with AmaZulu, are potentially a lucky omen for Zambia.

Namibia, coincidentally were Zambia's last opponent in a friendly match played in Johannesburg in January before the Herve Renard side headed off to the AFCON finals co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, from which they emerged winners.