Isaacs Banks On Youth Fitness

Sheefeni Nikodemus

28 June 2011

BRAVE Warriors interim coach Brian Isaacs said yesterday that he will most likely consider players from the under-20 side for the Malawi friendly, given their superior fitness.

Isaacs told The Namibian Sport yesterday that the four under-20s drafted into the senior side are guaranteed a place in the final squad based on their fitness.

Strikers Roger Katjiteo and Benson Shilongo, as well as winger Petrus Shitembi and midfielder Neville Tjiueza, were an integral part of the International Youth Tournament winning side in Germany just under a fortnight ago, and although the idea is to give the youngsters a run at senior level, their fitness is also key to their inclusion in Blantyre encounter on July 6.

“These youngsters were active in Germany recently and so fitness is not a problem with them,” said Isaacs, who would not say if any of the youngsters was guaranteed a starting berth.

“They are full of energy and want to play. So most of these young players will get a chance to get the necessary exposure.”

In contrast, Isaacs said, the rest of the squad has not played competitive football since the season ended late last month.

“The other guys are not bad,” said Isaacs of the rest of the team’s shape.

“They have been training since they reported for national duty. During that time we have worked on their fitness and to see if we can get them to the required physical condition.”

With regard to his approach to match, Isaacs said he would throw caution to the wind and let the players express themselves.

“We are ready to take a chance with this team,” said Isaacs. “They are skilful and very promising. They just lack experience. We just need to nurture and guide them.”

Isaacs said preparations have not gone smoothly, with a number of the more experienced brigade currently unavailable. He said defenders Pat Nevin Uanivi of African Stars and Da Costa Angula of Black Africa have not reported for camp.

Uanivi is said to be going through a family bereavement while Angula has been held up by work commitments.

Three other players in search of greener pastures abroad have also had to leave camp. Midfielder Bradley Wermann is on his way to Thailand for trials, while first-choice goalkeeper Virgil Vries and winger Eslin Kamuhanga are trying to land lucrative deals in South Africa’s Premiership with Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United respectively.

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