• Football

Time disappearing for U20 Cosafa Cup prep

• 1 Week Ago 11 September 2024

The Namibian under-20 football team, the Young Warriors, is once again facing stress-inducing delays in their preparations for the upcoming U20 Cosafa Cup, set to take place in Mozambique.

The team’s training camp has yet to commence, sparking concerns about their readiness for the tournament (26 September to 5 October).

The latest situation is not an isolated incident, as the Namibian Football Association (NFA) has a history of postponing or delaying youth teams' preparations – a pattern that has persisted over the years.

When asked about the slow progress, NFA Executive Council member Laurence Kandundu expressed frustration at being repeatedly contacted about the issue. "Why am I always being called regarding this matter? Call the general secretary," Kandundu said.

Local media have reported similar issues in the past, where late camps or poor logistical planning have hindered the teams’ performances on the international stage.

The repeated shortcomings continue to cast a shadow on the NFA’s handling of youth football development.

This publication questioned the delay, and NFA management cited various factors as reasons, though they did not provide specific details.

“We cannot always determine the duration of the camp, as various factors can always hinder the process,” a representative explained.

They acknowledged the time constraint, but reassured that if any changes were to occur, they would be communicated to the public. For now, however, the association maintains that the team will report for camp soon.

With the tournament fast approaching, stakeholders are calling for the NFA to resolve these issues swiftly. Without adequate preparation, Namibia risks sending an under-prepared team to Mozambique, again. It remains to be seen whether the NFA will take immediate action, or if the Young Warriors will once again need to overcome of administrative inefficiencies.

In light of the recent U20 Cosafa Cup draw, Namibia finds itself in a difficult Group B, alongside defending champions Zambia, Angola and Madagascar. With only the three group winners and one best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals, the Young Warriors will need to defy the odds to progress.

Meanwhile, Mozambique, winners in 2020, will be hoping to capitalize on home-ground advantage.

In addition to the under-20 tournament, Maputo will simultaneously host the CAF U17 Afcon 2025 Cosafa qualifier (boys) and the 2024 Cosafa U17 girls’ championship (from 5-14 December).

All eyes are now on the NFA, as stakeholders push for swift action to ensure its talented young stars are adequately prepared for their Cosafa Cup campaign.