'We are proud' - Tjongarero
The Brave Warriors, Namibia's senior men's football team, arrived back in the country yesterday after taking part in the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) in Morocco.
The local footballers were greeted by a reception of football fans, deputy minister of sport Agnes Tjongarero, director of disability sports Jo-Anne Manuel, as well as the Namibia Sport Commission's chief administrator, Freddy Mwiya, at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Tjongarero thanked the team for their hard work during the tournament. She said the players overcame a lot to take part in the tournament and performed well even though many did not have much belief in their capabilities.
Namibia played Morocco in the quarterfinal match, which ended 2-0 in favour of the hosts.
“To play the host nation is not easy but you played well. We are not disappointed but are happy with the way you performed,” Tjongarero said.
Team manager Jakes Amaning said it was a privilege for the Warriors to be in the presence of their fans. He also said the world did not give the players a chance when they were preparing for the tournament but that they performed well in the end.
Amaning added that the hospitality was great from the Moroccans and he thanked the government for supporting the team as it was an expensive trip.
Ricardo Mannetti, the coach, said he did not expect anyone to welcome them home.
“We became nervous when we found out fans were waiting for us. The players are the real stars of the show. They were away from home for almost a month. They left Namibia before Christmas and I'm happy with the commitment and dedication they have shown,” he said.
Captain Ronald Ketjijere said they were in a tough group with football giants.
“We respected them and fought hard to get out of the group stages. Thank you to the fans for the support,” he said.
Tinus Petrus, a fan, said the team played exceptional football and should be praised for their achievement in the tournament.
The Warriors were in Group B of the tournament with Ivory Coast, Zambia and Uganda. They beat Ivory Coast and Uganda one-nil in the first and second match. They went on to draw one-all with Zambia in their third match and crossed paths with Morocco were they lost 2-0 and failed to make it to the semi-final of the tournament.
Nigeria and Libya booked their places in the last four of the championship.
The Super Eagles will now face Sudan in the semi-finals, as Libya play the tournament hosts for a place in the final.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Tjongarero thanked the team for their hard work during the tournament. She said the players overcame a lot to take part in the tournament and performed well even though many did not have much belief in their capabilities.
Namibia played Morocco in the quarterfinal match, which ended 2-0 in favour of the hosts.
“To play the host nation is not easy but you played well. We are not disappointed but are happy with the way you performed,” Tjongarero said.
Team manager Jakes Amaning said it was a privilege for the Warriors to be in the presence of their fans. He also said the world did not give the players a chance when they were preparing for the tournament but that they performed well in the end.
Amaning added that the hospitality was great from the Moroccans and he thanked the government for supporting the team as it was an expensive trip.
Ricardo Mannetti, the coach, said he did not expect anyone to welcome them home.
“We became nervous when we found out fans were waiting for us. The players are the real stars of the show. They were away from home for almost a month. They left Namibia before Christmas and I'm happy with the commitment and dedication they have shown,” he said.
Captain Ronald Ketjijere said they were in a tough group with football giants.
“We respected them and fought hard to get out of the group stages. Thank you to the fans for the support,” he said.
Tinus Petrus, a fan, said the team played exceptional football and should be praised for their achievement in the tournament.
The Warriors were in Group B of the tournament with Ivory Coast, Zambia and Uganda. They beat Ivory Coast and Uganda one-nil in the first and second match. They went on to draw one-all with Zambia in their third match and crossed paths with Morocco were they lost 2-0 and failed to make it to the semi-final of the tournament.
Nigeria and Libya booked their places in the last four of the championship.
The Super Eagles will now face Sudan in the semi-finals, as Libya play the tournament hosts for a place in the final.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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