𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐌 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐀𝐅 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐩

The University of Namibia’s football team affectionally known as the “Clever Boys” have been pitted against Angolan side, Kabuscorp SCP in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederations Cup. The Clever Boys will be hoping to make a name for themselves when they make their maiden appearance in the second-tier competition of African club football.

UNAM cemented their spot in the continental showpiece after defeating KK Palace FC in the final of the NFA Cup. The team will play their fixtures on 5 September and 12 September with venues yet to be confirmed.

Speaking on the draw and his side competing in the Confederations Cup, UNAM’s Head Coach, Robert Nauseb emphasized that the continental competition provides excellent exposure to talented footballers.

“We are realistic about the challenge ahead, especially with many of our players experiencing continental football for the first time. We will be playing at a different level than we are exposed to, this is a new territory, and it will be a great experience for the boys.

Our target is clear: to get into the group stage. If we play to our standards and are competitive, we can do it.”

Preparing for CAF

Preparations have been going well, with the club extending its pre-season and putting extra focus on conditioning.

Nauseb says the team is preparing for everything that comes with continental football, including travel, heat, altitude and fatigue.

“We’ve extended pre-season and added extra conditioning because CAF games come thick and fast with travel. Altitude, heat and travel fatigue, we are preparing for all of it.”

The technical team has also been working on the tactical side of the game, studying opponents and making adjustments to suit the demands of the competition.

“We’ve been studying CAF football. It’s faster in transitions and more physical, so we’ve tweaked our formation to be more compact out of possession.”

UNAM will use a friendly against Mogakolodi Galaxy in Botswana as part of their preparations, giving the players an opportunity to test themselves against foreign opposition.

“The boys understand this is history for UNAM. The focus at the training sessions is very high,” Nauseb said.

A Relatively New Squad

UNAM will go into the campaign without four senior players who left the club after last season, meaning Nauseb and his technical team have had to rebuild in certain areas.

“We did lose experience, I won’t lie. Four senior players moved on after last season.”

However, the coach is happy with the group that has come together, with three to four new players brought in to strengthen the squad.

“It looks like a UNAM squad; young, intelligent and hungry. We may not have the biggest names in Africa, but we have 25 players who will run through a wall for this badge.”

Making History

A big part of the preparations has been getting the players mentally ready for what lies ahead. Nauseb stressed that the technical team has constantly reminded the players that they have an opportunity to do something no UNAM team has done before, they can be the first and that alone should be motivation enough.

“The players have also been exposed to video sessions on CAF teams, football culture and what they can expect on the continent.For some of the players, the CAF campaign is also an opportunity to put themselves on the radar of the national team and potentially attract attention from clubs beyond Namibia.

Play well in CAF and you play for your country. That’s powerful,” Nauseb said.

Despite the excitement around the competition, the coach says the team is taking things one game at a time.

“We’re not thinking about six group games. We’re thinking about the next 90 minutes. Win the next moment. We go to CAF to learn, to compete and to win. We will represent UNAM with discipline, with pride and with courage.”

“We wear the UNAM shirt, we play the UNAM way.”