Collin Benjamin explains Namibia squad selection for FIFA Series

Namibia national team head coach Collin Benjamin has explained why the squad for the FIFA Series is largely made up of locally based players, complemented by a few foreign-based additions to provide depth.

According to Benjamin, his efforts to secure several European-based players never worked due to the complexity of the unrest in parts of that region that disturbed travel arrangements.

 

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Benjamin announced his travelling squad for the FIFA Series International friendlies. This year’s edition will feature 48 national teams competing in 12 groups of four.

Namibia to miss Deon Hotto

“It’s an international window, but most of our players based in Zimbabwe and Botswana have matches scheduled this weekend,” Benjamin told Namibia FA website.

“In addition, due to the complexity of the unrest in parts of that region, travel arrangements have been affected, with flights taking longer than usual and some players only expected to arrive on match day or even later.

“We have players in South Africa involved in matches on Sunday, and expecting them to travel on Monday for a Wednesday fixture especially after a long flight is far from ideal for any athlete.

“As a result, we opted to give locally based players an opportunity, while also beginning to assess the next group of players we hope to integrate into the team.”

Namibia to face Kuwait in opener

He added: “It would have been great to have players like Deon Hotto who have carried the team for so long and recently celebrated a milestone with his club Orlando Pirates but this is the situation and we make the most out of it but I have full faith in the local squad.

 

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“I believe this platform will play a key role in enhancing their experience and development at international level.”

Namibia has been drawn alongside Kuwait national team, Comoros national team, and Kazakhstan national team. All matches will be hosted by the Kazakhstan Football Federation.

Namibia is set to face Kuwait in their opening match on 25 March at 20:00.