Active Warriors please Mannetti

Ricardo Mannetti's policy of not calling up players without clubs has propelled most Brave Warriors stalwarts to seek clubs locally and beyond the country's borders, in order to secure their spots in the national set-up.Last year impactful players like Awillo 'Willy' Stephanus, Petrus Shitembi and Sadney Urikhob were without clubs.They were thus given time to seek out clubs before next month's crunch 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Zambia.Stephanus and Shitembi have both joined Lusaka Dynamos in Zambia, where defender Teberius Lombard also plies his trade.Both Stephanus and Shitembi signed six-month contracts. Stephanus signed in early January and Shitembi just a week ago. Stephanus said he signed a short-term contract with an eye on more lucrative deals in the future, and is banking on bigger and better offers in the future, if the Brave Warriors qualify for Afcon 2019. Shitembi added that he is pleased with his move and will give his best.“I'm hoping to make the most of it and keep my chances open of retaining my place in the national Afcon squad,” the midfield maestro said.Urikhob was last seen playing for Simba FC, a Tanzanian side.Mannetti, however, said Urikhob is still hunting for a new club, which is not good news. “I want all the players to be active and match fit, in order to have an impact. We are not playing a small country, as Zambia is a strong team. “It's good that players have received contracts. It's a professional league. It will entice more players, giving them good salaries for their talent and services.”Mannetti added that he doesn't mind where the players play, as long as they are active.“Whether they are signed in South Africa, Zambia or anywhere else, it doesn't matter, as long as they are playing football; I just want them to be active.“I know the players, I know who is good enough and what we need; it's just important that players are active and match fit,” Mannetti added.Namibian players plying their trade outside the country include Deon Hotto (Bidvest Wits), Larry Horaeb, Peter Shalulile, Denzil Haoseb (Highlands Park), Virgil Vries (Kaizer Chiefs), Riaan Hanamub (Jomo Cosmos, SA first division), Ananias Gebhardt (Baroka FC), Benson Shilongo (Ismaily, Egypt), Hendrik Somaeb (Zemun, Serbia), Max Mbaeva (Golden Arrows), Itamunua Keimune (Dira Dawa, Ethiopia), Lloyd Kazapua (Maccabi) and Wangu Gome (Cape Umoya).LIMBA MUPETAMI

Active Warriors please Mannetti

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-05

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Active Warriors please Mannetti

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-05

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