NAMIBIA, THE FUTURE NEEDS YOU!

If you ever wondered what Namibia football future looks likes, the Sam Nujoma Stadium should be your destination of choice this Saturday. This is because young, raw football talent will be on display when the Under-20 National Football team plays Rwanda at 15:00. The two teams will play the fi rst leg of qualifi ers for the African Youth Championships and local support is much needed. It is common knowledge that other African countries pack their stadiums to provide moral support for their teams when they play at home and that is no different for Rwanda.

With that in mind, Namibians must equally pack the stadium to ensure we also make full use of the home ground advantage. The confi dence these youngsters will get from a capacity crowd is immense and it will surely spur them on to tackle their central African opponents with gusto. On top of that, you will get a chance to be a fi rsthand witness to what talent Namibia has in the country. And what talent it is! First of all, there is the wizardry of Lebbeus Mwatilefu, whose close control is second to none, as was evident at the Namibian Newspaper Cup.

Then there is the workmanlike tenacity of Jonas Sagaria, who does the basics superbly well and still fi nds the energy to run tirelessly.

In addition, there is the goal scoring prowess of the ever alert Mapenzi Muwanei to look forward to. The fact that none of these players are guaranteed a starting place in the fi nal team means that whoever does eventually take to the fi eld must surely be equally talented. In addition to all the above, the entrance is FREE, therefore there can be no excuses about not having money to attend the game. My only fear, though, is that the crowd will indeed turn out in numbers, only to sit there like zombies, which unfortunately happens at many national team matches.

So, if you are going to go to the match please bring your best singing voice and support the team, with song and dance as we usher in the latest breed of footballers.