In a strategic move to acclimate to the conditions in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia’s Senior Men National team, the Tafel Lager Brave Warriors, have been on a journey of rigorous training, since their arrival from Johanessburg South Africa, where the team has been in camp preparing for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea will host the Brave Warriors on November 15, 2023 at their national Stadium, Estadio de Malabo at 14h00.
Coach Collin Benjamin shed light on the team’s preparation, emphasizing a strict focus on physicality, mental and physical conditioning. He stressed the significance of overcoming challenges posed by an incomplete squad, which he said has had an impact on transitional moments and tactics, amongst other aspects.
“We’ve dedicated our efforts to enhancing the players’ physical and mental resilience. Despite the challenges, the playerfs have adapted well to our strategies.” he stated.
A notable setback for the Brave Warriors is the absence of key player, Peter Shalulile, and Lubeni Haukongo, who couldn’t travel due to injuries.
“Lubeni picked up a hamstring injury, which we think he needs to tend to, to assure that he fully recovers.” he stated.
On Shalulile, he said “The communication received from his team states that he is injured hence he did not travel with us to Malabo. In his [Shalulile] absence, we look to our young talents to step up and fill the void. It’s an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and make it count.”
As the team braces for the clash against Equatorial Guinea, Coach Benjamin affirmed that he believes in the team’s ability to compete gracefully and achieve fitting results.
“The resilience and determination of the players will be key in overcoming the challenges ahead.”
Beyond the Equatorial Guinea fixture, Namibia is set to face São Tomé on November 21, 2023, in Morocco, in yet another FIFA World Cup qualifiers match.