Gome out, Hotto in doubt
Injury and other concerns have hit the Brave Warriors camp ahead of a crunch Afcon qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.
As the much-anticipated 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group K qualifier clash between Brave Warriors and Guinea Bissau nears, Namibia is facing a bit of an injury crises.
It has been revealed that Cape Umoya United's Wangu Gome will miss out on the action, while Bidvest Wits midfielder Deon Hotto is also in doubt for the match.
Gome has a persistent knee injury, which has been difficult to treat, according to Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti.
“Wangu will not be available for this game, due to a persistent knee injury that has troubled him for almost a year,” said Mannetti.
Gome's injury also kept him out of action this past weekend for his South African first division side.
“He will go through a medical scan this week to determine (more information about) his injury and to also give more information to his club and to us as well.
“One would want Gome in the team, but we have to look to other players, as there is competition and depth in the squad. Whoever takes his spot will really do us proud,” Mannetti added.
The technical team will also assess Hotto's fitness levels.
“Hotto also picked up a hamstring injury, but it is not so bad. We will assess him this week at training and make a decision during the week,” said Mannetti.
Hotto was due to arrive in the country yesterday afternoon.
The midfielder is very instrumental for the home side, as he came off the bench last month in Mozambique to score the winner in a 2-1 victory.
He also came off the bench when Namibia beat the same opposition 1-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium recently.
Hotto was replaced halfway through the game when his side played Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa. His side suffered a 2-1 defeat.
Speedy wingback Riaan Hanamub has been hit by a personal matter, as his father passed away yesterday morning.
The team offered him time off and will access his mental state as the match nears this coming Saturday.
Tickets for the clash cost N$50 and are available at Computicket outlets and Football House.
The home side, together with Guinea-Bissau, are currently on top of Group K on seven points, with Zambia and Mozambique following on four points.
The group winner and the runner-up will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cameroon from 15 June to 13 July next year.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
It has been revealed that Cape Umoya United's Wangu Gome will miss out on the action, while Bidvest Wits midfielder Deon Hotto is also in doubt for the match.
Gome has a persistent knee injury, which has been difficult to treat, according to Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti.
“Wangu will not be available for this game, due to a persistent knee injury that has troubled him for almost a year,” said Mannetti.
Gome's injury also kept him out of action this past weekend for his South African first division side.
“He will go through a medical scan this week to determine (more information about) his injury and to also give more information to his club and to us as well.
“One would want Gome in the team, but we have to look to other players, as there is competition and depth in the squad. Whoever takes his spot will really do us proud,” Mannetti added.
The technical team will also assess Hotto's fitness levels.
“Hotto also picked up a hamstring injury, but it is not so bad. We will assess him this week at training and make a decision during the week,” said Mannetti.
Hotto was due to arrive in the country yesterday afternoon.
The midfielder is very instrumental for the home side, as he came off the bench last month in Mozambique to score the winner in a 2-1 victory.
He also came off the bench when Namibia beat the same opposition 1-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium recently.
Hotto was replaced halfway through the game when his side played Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa. His side suffered a 2-1 defeat.
Speedy wingback Riaan Hanamub has been hit by a personal matter, as his father passed away yesterday morning.
The team offered him time off and will access his mental state as the match nears this coming Saturday.
Tickets for the clash cost N$50 and are available at Computicket outlets and Football House.
The home side, together with Guinea-Bissau, are currently on top of Group K on seven points, with Zambia and Mozambique following on four points.
The group winner and the runner-up will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cameroon from 15 June to 13 July next year.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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