Kamberipa and Kauapirura called up

Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti has called up African Stars backline duo Ivan Kamberipa and Treasure Kauapirura for the first time ahead of this month's Zambia clash. The two are among a strong 28-man squad that Mannetti announced yesterday ahead of the last group K match against Zambia on 23 March. Kamberipa and Kauapirura were part of the African Stars team that played in the CAF Champions League and later the CAF Confederations Cup. Their solid performances at the back in most of the matches they have played this season have earned them a place in the good books of the national team coach. Mannetti said he was impressed by the way that the two have been playing at domestic and international level. “Ivan has been doing very well for African Stars because it is always very good when local teams compete at African level and this gives me an opportunity to look at these players. “He has impressed me as a player. That is why I called him up and I am grateful that a player like him came through in the absence of Chris Katjiukua, who is unfortunately not around due to suspension,” Mannetti said. The coach added that Treasure Kauapirura also earned his place in the squad following an impressive display in the national team.Another notable inclusion is the return of Cape Umoya United attacking player Joslin Kamatuka.Kamatuka had been part of the national team setup in the past but not much has been heard from him in the past two years. “I have been in touch with Kamatuka's coach and he has spoken highly of the player,” Mannetti said.“Kamatuka was part of the national team but things went a bit dull for him in the absence of a football league in the country but I do believe that he is back now.” Mannetti also revealed that Wangu Gome was omitted from the squad because of an injury, while Hendrick Somaeb was dropped because of a lack of game time.The coach recalled most of the regular players who have been part of his setup. He deemed it important to have all the experienced players in the squad given the magnitude of the match.“We must not be fooled by the fact that Zambia have not qualified for Afcon because they are still a very formidable team. “They are a good team and we must not take them lightly in our last match of the group. “I believe that the type of players I called up will tell you that there is plenty of experience given that we have worked on these players for many years.” The locally based players are expected to start training today, while the players plying their trade in other leagues will join the team next week. The local players will be joined by 14 other shadow players that Mannetti is assessing for the future. The Brave Warriors' road to Egypt started with a match against Guinea Bissau early last year, where they lost 1-0 away. They went on to host Zambia's national team, Chipolopolo, holding them to a one-all draw, and moved on to defeat Mozambique at home and away before drawing 0-0 with Guinea Bissau.Namibia can qualify for the 2019 Afcon finals if: they avoid defeat to Zambia; they lose to Zambia and Mozambique lose to Guinea Bissau; they lose to Zambia and Mozambique draw against Bissau (Namibia have better head-to-head against Mozambique). Guinea Bissau and Namibia are at the top of Group K on eight points each, with Mozambique in third place on seven points. Zambia, on four points, are out of the race to Egypt 2019. The group winners and the runners-up will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations, to be played in Egypt from 21 June to 19 July 2019. The 28-man squad: Virgil Vries, Maximillian Mbaeva, Loydt Kazapua, Edward Maova, Petrus Shitembi, Tiberius Lombard, Ananias Gebhardt, Willy Stephanus, Denzil Hoaseb, Peter Shalulile, Marcel Papama, Riaan Hanamub, Dynamo Fredericks, Emilio Martin, Ronald Ketjijere, Benson Shilongo, Ivan Kamberipa, Edmund Kambanda, Muna Katupose, Sadney Urikhob, Joslin Kamatuka, Vitapi Ngaruka, Charles Hambira, Treasure Kauapirura, Itamunua Keimuine, Immanuel Heita, Absalom Iimbondi and Deon Hotto.JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Kamberipa and Kauapirura called up

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-17

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Kamberipa and Kauapirura called up

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-17

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