No money for Brave Warriors friendlies

Namibia’s Brave Warriors need close to N$3.5 million per international friendly match in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which is slated for January, Namibia Football Association (NFA) acting secretary-general Jochen Traut has confirmed.Namibia are set to compete in Cote d’Ivoire in January in Africa’s biggest football showpiece.The country was last week drawn in Group E against Tunisia, South Africa and Mali.Many within football circles have indicated that the team needs at least four to five friendly matches before they compete in the competition.Costly gamesNamibian Sun understands that the country’s football association currently has no budget in place for the friendly matches.“There is no money available at the moment to host any friendly matches,” Traut confirmed.“All I can tell you is that we will need around N$3.5 million to host a friendly match outside Namibia.“Invitations could also be fine, but that is only when the team inviting us for the friendly match will cover the cost,” Traut said.Facing multiple hurdlesTraut further revealed that the lack of internationally accredited stadiums in the country has worsened the situation.He acknowledged that the football team has to be well prepared ahead of the upcoming tournament.Many other African football countries have already started playing international friendlies ahead of the tournament.“It is very unfortunate that there has been a lot of negativity reported [around] our football, and sponsors are reluctant to come through,” Traut noted.World Cup qualifiersBrave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin will, however, have an opportunity to test the readiness of his players when the team competes in the World Cup qualifiers.Namibia are set to battle Equatorial Guinea on 13 November in the group stages before facing São Tomé and Príncipe on 20 November.“These are the only matches that are on the calendar so far,” Traut said.

No money for Brave Warriors friendlies

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

Please login to leave a comment

No money for Brave Warriors friendlies

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

Please login to leave a comment

Login