Namibia national team hit by Covid-19 outbreak

Namibia’s preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (Chan) football tournament in Cameroon have been suspended after nine players tested positive for Covid-19.

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) on Saturday said the ten tested positive after a routine check conducted on December 29, 2020.

“The local-based players has been in camp since 8 December 2020 and after the routine tests done on 29 December 2020, 10 players and one technical staff member tested positive for Covid-19. The NFA immediately activated the relevant protocols that includes isolation and calling off group activities temporarily,” NFA said in a statement.

The suspended training for the whole deals a blow to Namibia’s preparations for the tournament that begins on January 16.

The southern African country has already cancelled proposed preparatory matches with Rwanda and DR Congo due to Covid-19-related travel complications.

“Affected by this is the pre-CHAN Finals preparatory tournament in Rwanda involving the host, Namibia and DR Congo which was set for 7-11 January 2021,” adds the statement.

Namibia have been zoned in Group D alongside Guinea, Tanzania and Zambia. The Brave Warriors face the Zambia in their group opener on January 19 inside Yaounde’s Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo.

Namibia squad;

Goalkeepers:

Edward Maova, Ratanda Mbazuvara, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Jonas Matheus, Immanuel Immanuel.

Defenders:

Emilio Martin, Vitapi Ngaruka, Ivan Kamberipa, Pat-Nevin Uanivi, Larry Horaeb, Gregory Aukumeb, Aprocius Petrus, Erasmus Ikeinge, Johannes Mutanga, Kleopas Nuukushu.

Midfielders:

Dynamo Fredericks, Immanuel Heita, Ambrosius Amseb, Wendell Rudath, Gustav Isaak, Alfeus Handura, Llewelyn Stanley, Absalom Iimbondi, Wesley Katjiteo, Marcel Papama, Brandon Neibeb.

Forwards:

Elmo Kambindu, Issaskar Gurirab, Panduleni Nekundi, Monis Omseb, Deryl Goagoseb.