Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin has named a strong squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon and Kenya.
The Brave Warriors will face Cameroon away on September 7, before welcoming Kenya in their second Group J match three days later at Orlando Stadium.
Benjamin has named a formidable team with Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile leading the line.
Shalulile, who has been in exceptional form in the South African Premier Division, will be a key figure as Namibia looks to make a significant impact in these crucial qualifiers.
The squad is a balanced mix of experience and youth, with several players plying their trade in South Africa’s top division, adding a competitive edge to the team.
Loydt Kazapua of Sekhukhune FC and Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates are among the standout names from the South African league, highlighting the depth of talent Benjamin has at his disposal.
Speaking about the squad selection, Benjamin reiterated his commitment to assembling a competitive team capable of taking on Africa’s best.
“I obviously need a strong team, the support of the Namibian nation, and the media,” Benjamin told The Namibian in a past interview.
“Everything is going to be done in consultation with the leadership, and I think the open-door policy is going to apply to everybody. We are going to listen and see what can be implemented.”
The former Hamburg defender, who took over as head coach in June 2022, has emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in building a successful national team.
In defense, the squad features the likes of Ivan Kamberipa of Orapa FC in Botswana and Welwin Hanamub of Amazulu FC in South Africa, providing a solid backline to withstand the attacking threats from Cameroon and Kenya.
The midfield is equally robust, with players like Aprocious Petrus of Cape Town City and Deon Hotto offering both creativity and defensive stability.
The inclusion of unattached defender Kennedy Amutenya also signals Benjamin’s faith in the player’s potential despite his current clubless status.
Additionally, the versatile Erastus Kalula, also from Sekhukhune FC, will offer options in attack, complementing Shalulile’s prowess upfront.
Goalkeepers
Loydt Kazapua (Sekhukhune FC, SA), Edward Maova (Golden Arrows, SA), Kamaijanda Ndisiro (African Stars FC)
Defenders
Ivan Kamberipa (Orapa FC, BOT), Kennedy Amutenya (Unattached), Charles Hambira (African Stars FC), Tuli Nashikwa (Tigers FC), Arend Abubakar (Blue Waters FC), Welwin Hanamub (Amazulu FC, SA), Ngero Katua (African Stars FC), Erasmus Ikeinge (Khomas Nampol FC)
Midfielders
Aprocious Petrus (Cape Town City, SA), Moses Shidolo (Chula Chula FC), Tjiipenandjambi Karuoomb (Unam FC), Romeo Kasume (Matebele FC, BOT), Paulus Amutenya (Unam FC), Erastus Kukula (Blue Waters FC), Edmar Kamatuka (Sekhukhune FC, SA), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates, SA), Farres Haidula (Blue Waters FC), Prince Tjueza (Cape Town City FC)
Forwards
Erastus Kalula (Sekhukhune FC, SA), Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns, SA), Betuel Muzeu (Black Leopards, SA), David Ndeunyema (Blue Waters FC)
