Namibia coach counting on in-form PSL star ahead of WC qualifier
The Brave Warriors of Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin says in-form Durban City FC striker Joslin Kamatuka will play a key role in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match in Polokwane on Monday.
Kamatuka, who has been in outstanding form for the Motsepe Foundation Championship side, recently earned a recall to the national team after 12 months of absence. The 33-year-old featured for 14 minutes during Namibia’s 1-0 win over Malawi on Thursday in the qualifiers, with Cape Town City FC star Prins Tjiueza scoring the only goal for the tie.
The Brave Warriors will now take on Equatorial Guinea in a Group H match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Namibia are vying for one of the spots from the nine African nations that will go to the FIFA tournament in 2026.
Led by Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile, Namibia are currently second in the group with 11 points after five matches. They trail leaders Tunisia by two points.
WHY JOSLIN KAMATUKA WILL BE KEY FOR THE BRAVE WARRIORS ON MONDAY
Namibia coach Benjamin believes the form Kamatuka has displayed in the Motsepe Foundation Championship will come in handy against the Central African nation.
“One thing for sure is that Joslin [Kamatuka] is going to start tomorrow [Monday],” said Benjamin in Polokwane.
“We are looking for him to bring that experience, the balance in defence and offence, to break the lines, and that’s exactly what he has been doing, for example, with his club.
“That’s why we are backing on, for him, as the others, to bring their individual quality to our game, so that as a whole, we can then click and do the best for Namibia.”
NAMIBIA STRIKER RETURNS TO FAMILIAR TERRITORY FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Peter Mokaba is a familiar stadium to Kamatuka, who spent two seasons with Baroka FC between 2020 and 2022.
“It is a familiar stadium, and I have not been here since I left Baroka. So it feels good to be back,” said Kamatuka.
“I just need to feel the pitch again. It went under renovation, and it looks good. So it’s a good feeling to be back again.”
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