Uanivi gets Warriors chance
Brave Warriors interim coach Bobby Samaria has answered the cries of many fans by selecting veteran defender Pat-Navin Uanivi in his 20-man squad for a Chan qualifier against Madagascar.
19 September 2019 | Sports
African Stars veteran defender Pat-Navin Uanivi has finally been selected for the national team after years of being omitted.
Uanivi forms part of Brave Warriors interim coach Bobby Samaria's squad that travelled to Madagascar to play in the first leg of an African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier this coming weekend.
The defender has in the past been overlooked, with coaches citing his lack of physique.
Samaria is, however, adamant that the 32-year-old stocky defender, who has been influential for his club over the years, will do a good job against Madagascar.
“He is a very good defender and has proven that over the years, and I felt it was about time we give him a chance. “Uanivi is a strong defender who possesses stealth and has done so much for his local club, African Stars,” Samaria said.
Namibia is potentially just two victories away from securing a place at the 2020 Chan finals. Samaria's men booked their place in the final round of qualification by beating Comoros 2-0 away and playing to a 0-0 stalemate at home.
The islanders are ranked 96th in the world, compared to Namibia's ranking of 121.
The return leg will be played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on 19 October. “We have so much talent and it's all about finding the right balance and getting a good result,” Samaria added. The squad is as follows: Ratanda Mbazuvara, Charles Uirab, Pat-Nevin Uanivi, Ivan Kamberipa, Obrey Amseb, Marcel Papama, Gustav Isaak, Larry Horaeb, Aprocious Petrus, Immanuel Heita, Dynamo Fredericks, Vitapi Ngaruka, Emilio Martin, Wendell Rudath, Llewelyn Stanley, Absalom Iimbondi, Gregory Aukumeb, Panduleni Nekundi, Elmo Kambindu and Mapenzi Muwanei.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
Uanivi forms part of Brave Warriors interim coach Bobby Samaria's squad that travelled to Madagascar to play in the first leg of an African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier this coming weekend.
The defender has in the past been overlooked, with coaches citing his lack of physique.
Samaria is, however, adamant that the 32-year-old stocky defender, who has been influential for his club over the years, will do a good job against Madagascar.
“He is a very good defender and has proven that over the years, and I felt it was about time we give him a chance. “Uanivi is a strong defender who possesses stealth and has done so much for his local club, African Stars,” Samaria said.
Namibia is potentially just two victories away from securing a place at the 2020 Chan finals. Samaria's men booked their place in the final round of qualification by beating Comoros 2-0 away and playing to a 0-0 stalemate at home.
The islanders are ranked 96th in the world, compared to Namibia's ranking of 121.
The return leg will be played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on 19 October. “We have so much talent and it's all about finding the right balance and getting a good result,” Samaria added. The squad is as follows: Ratanda Mbazuvara, Charles Uirab, Pat-Nevin Uanivi, Ivan Kamberipa, Obrey Amseb, Marcel Papama, Gustav Isaak, Larry Horaeb, Aprocious Petrus, Immanuel Heita, Dynamo Fredericks, Vitapi Ngaruka, Emilio Martin, Wendell Rudath, Llewelyn Stanley, Absalom Iimbondi, Gregory Aukumeb, Panduleni Nekundi, Elmo Kambindu and Mapenzi Muwanei.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
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