Mannetti pleased with players' foreign moves

The Brave Warriors will benefit if more than 20 Namibian players sign contracts with foreign professional clubs, national team coach Ricardo Mannetti has said.
Mannetti, who used to turn out for Santos and Bush Bucks in South Africa, is especially pleased to see players joining that country’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).
A number of publications have reported on confirmed deals for some Brave Warriors players in South Africa.
Mannetti, speaking to the Namibia Football Association’s (NFA’s) official website, feels that the migration from the Namibia Premier League (NPL) will do the national team some good.
“It is good to read about my players finding new homes in the PSL and the first division in SA,” he said.
“I just hope the numbers can keep increasing to at least more than 20 players outside so that we can have options in terms of that exposure,” Mannetti said.

Game time

The coach reiterated his call for players and their agents to ensure that they get game time, as that can guarantee them match fitness and selection for the national team.
“The risk when our players are going overseas is huge in terms of lack of game time and that negatively affects my planning as well.
“We need active players that make a difference at their clubs so that they can boost the Brave Warriors as well.
“It doesn’t matter whether they play First Division or PSL or any other league, the exposure to play against different players other than the local boys here is what matters in international football.
“Local guys too have their unique role and quality to play as well,” explained the Cosafa Castle Cup 2016 Plate Final winning coach.
The coach is convinced Wangu Gome will have a better second season at Wits while Deon Hotto and Peter Shalulile will continue to shine.
He also expects Brave Warriors captain Ronald Ketjijere and Willem Mwedihanga, who turned out for the relegated University of Pretoria, to stay in the PSL.
“Wangu had a tough first season and I’m confident he will have a better second one with his talent and drive.
“Deon’s move to Celtic is also good as coach Serame (Letsoaka) was with him at Arrows and knows his qualities hence his acquisition.
“Peter is the darling of Highlands Park and for Ronald and Willem, they have proven themselves and I’m sure they will conclude some PSL deals soon,” he said.

Lessons

Mannetti also hailed the moves made by Somaeb, who joined Highlands Park from Free State Stars, and former Black Africa pair Junior Gebhardt and Denzil Haoseb, who signed to play for Jomo Cosmos in South Africa’s first division.
“Their moves are great as long as they can play and Benson Shilongo [formerly of Gaborone United in Botswana] at Platinum Stars can learn a lot from [retired Brave Warriors striker] Henrico Botes,” he said.
Botes re-joined Platinum Stars after his one-year contract with Bidvest Wits was not renewed.
Mannetti added that the foreign legion would not be complete without mentioning the players based in Asia.
“The guys in Thailand also bring a different dimension,” Mannetti said.
Mannetti and the Warriors’ next assignment will be in September in the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when they visit Senegal in Group K’s final round of matches.

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