Jesse Jackson KauraisaWindhoek

Namibia face a stern test of character and readiness under new coach Collin Benjamin this week when the team confronts Madagascar tomorrow in the quarter-finals of the Cosafa Cup. The match might not sum up Benjamin’s managerial abilities, but it is poised to show Namibians a glimpse of what they can expect from the new coach. Fresh off a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United, Benjamin’s side has confirmed that they could be missing some players due to injury for Tuesday’s encounter.

Newcomers Uetuuru Kambato and Prinz Tjiueza are expected to miss the match, while captain Dynamo Frederick remains a doubtful due to a knee injury.

“We are racing against time to have Dynamo Fredericks ready for the match, and we have complete trust in the medical team on the ground,” Benjamin said.

The coach does however still have the luxury of a competent squad, that he feels can do the job on Tuesday.

He expressed satisfaction with the team’s hard work in training, stating that they have an idea of how to hurt their opponents.

“We had a very good week in Pretoria as we worked a lot on our defensive shape as we transitioned into offence.

“This also made us have a few impressions on possible combinations that we are trying out,” the coach said. Namibia’s Kennedy Amutenya was on target for Namibia in the friendly match.

Benjamin is, however, wary of the miscommunication at the back that led to the goal his team conceded.

Some interesting facts about Brave Warriors at Cosafa: Biggest win: 4-1 vs Malawi (1997)

Biggest home win: 4-1 vs Malawi (1997)

Biggest away win: 4-1 vs Zimbabwe (2015)

Heaviest home defeat: 0-1 vs Botswana (2003)

Heaviest away defeat: 2-5 vs Zimbabwe (1998)

Highest scoring match: 2-5 vs Zimbabwe (1998)

The squad

Goalkeepers: Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Edward Maova, Mbemutjiua Mata.

Defenders: Aprocius Petrus, Denzil Haoseb, Charles Hambira, Ivan Kamberipa, Tuli Ngenovali Nashixwa, Kennedy Amutenya. Midfielders: Marcel Papama, Wesley Katjiteo, Dynamo Fredericks, Immanuel Heita, Ngero Katua, Tjipenandjambi Karuuombe, Prinz Tjiueza, Steven Damaseb, Uetuuru Kambato, Wendel Rudath, Amseb Salomon, Absalom Iimbondi.

Forwards: Bethuel Muzeu, Lionell Routh and Godwin Eiseb.