Play for the jersey

Today I am penning this column to advise the players that received a call-up and to encourage them to play for the jersey.For some of these players, it was their first ever call-up and this could be a career opener. The other players have been here before and will probably play under coach Collin Benjamin for the first time.They will have to show commitment and trust the advice of the coach if they are to change the fortunes of this football nation.I have been lucky enough to witness the era of the teams of the past and I must say, so many things have changed. I was even lucky enough to have interviewed some of the legends who played the game at the highest level for Namibia. One thing is for sure: these players played for the jersey and their coaches. The players of the past left everything on that pitch for this brave nation and that is why we enjoyed some of the finest moments as a country during the late nineties. The truth is, the players will never give their best if they are not playing for the jersey or the coach. In my view, the 2015 Cosafa tournament was the last time the team showed they were playing for the jersey and coach.I can recall seeing a very passionate side that was hungry to make the nation and their coach proud. Some of those players are still part of the current set-up, while others have fallen down the pecking order. I admit that I have not been impressed with the determination and character of our teams of late. To be honest, I also feel they let their coach Bobby Samaria down. They should feel bad about the fact that he was unable to secure the job on a permanent basis. That is why, it will be up to them, to make sure that the same thing does not happen to their new coach. The truth is, sometimes the coach delivers the best of instructions and tactics, but the players simply never follow them.It also goes without saying that those who respect and admire their coach put in an extra shift for him or her. As an example, compare the situation at a club like Manchester United to that of Liverpool. Many of the Manchester United players got their coaches fired for not doing enough, whereas the Liverpool players got trophies for their coaches. People might assume that this situation is different from ours, but it is not that different. The relationship between the coaching staff and the players determines the play on the field on many occasions. That is why their desire to die for the Brave Warriors jersey paves the way for success - for the country and the coach. It does not exempt the coach from putting out the best tactics, which can help his team.The coach must also be like a father for some players, as this helps to strengthen respect.My advice to Collin Benjamin would be to build an unbroken bond between him and those he chooses for the team. It is also up to the coach to render a figure who is loved and feared at the same time. This will benefit both the players and coach - because it is about the jersey after all. jesse@namibiansun.com

Play for the jersey

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Play for the jersey

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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