Botes left out of Warriors squad

WINDHOEKSPORT REPORTER Veteran Namibian striker Henrico Botes, who plays for Platinum Stars in South Africa, was left out of a 24-man Brave Warriors squad that was called up yesterday to play against Kenya in 2014 World Cup qualifier on September 7. The striker recently returned from injury but scored for his club in an MTN 8 semi-final first leg match last Saturday. He also played a significant role in rescuing a point for his team in a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) tie on Wednesday after coming on as a substitute in the 63rd minute. But with Botes due to turn 34 in December, Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti has perhaps decided to rather give younger strikers a chance to play, especially since the clash against Kenya is a dead rubber, with Namibia already eliminated from the hunt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. The players are expected to meet at the Safari Hotel on Sunday, September 1 at 17:00. 24-man squad Goalkeepers: Efraim Tjihonge (Black Africa), Virgil Vries (Maritzburg United, SA) and Maximillian Mbaeva (African Stars). Defenders: Larry Horaeb (AmaZulu, SA), Chris Katjiukua (African Stars), Willem Mwedihanga (AmaZulu) Da Costa Angula (Black Africa), Tuhafeni Pekka Hamukwaya (Tigers), Denis Tjetjinda (African Stars) and Freedom Puriza (African Stars). Midfielders: Denzil Haoseb (Black Africa), Annanias Gebhardt (Tigers), Neville Tjiueza (Tura Magic), Emilio Martin, Petrus Shitembi (University of Pretoria, SA), Willy Stephanus (Black Africa), Riaan Cloete (African Stars), Deon Hotto (African Stars) and Heinrich Isaacks (Maritzburg United, SA) Strikers: Marko van Wyk (Black Africa), Jerome Louis (Black Africa), Pinehas Jacob, Sadney Urikhob (both AmaZulu, SA), Roger Katjiteo (Black Africa)