Namibia have named Mamelodi Sundowns’ goal ace Peter Shalulile in a preliminary squad to take on South Africa in their friendly international in Soweto on September 9, even though the striker has been nursing an injury.
Shalulile, who is his country’s captain, has not played since being replaced in the second half of the 4-0 victory over Lamontville Golden arrows on August 15 after suffering a torn hamstring.
His club coach Rulani Mokwena said last week that Shalulile’s absence might be a short one. "It is difficult to predict with Peter because he is a different breed. Peter has a different mentality and his body reacts differently, so sometimes you think three, or four weeks but then he comes back a bit faster. You saw it last season when he was supposed to be out for almost the entire season and he actually came back a lot faster than we anticipated, so we have to go day by day with Peter."
Shalulile is among seven South African-based players named by coach Collin Benjamin, who also picked Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu’s flying fullback Riaan Hanamub.
The list also includes a return for Chippa United’s Loydt Kazapua, who missed Namibia’s last Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi in June because of suspension.
Also picked are players from the Motsepe Foundation Championship – Ananias Gebhardt of Baroka, Joslin Kamatuka from Maritzburg United and Bethuel Muzeu at Black Leopards.
The squad also sees a return for the former University of Pretoria pair of Ronald Ketjijere and Petrus
Like South Africa, Namibia have competed their Cup of Nations qualifying campaign but unlike Bafana Bafana are not yet confirmed in the finals field.
Namibia will qualify as long as Burundi do not upset Cameroon in Garoua on September 12.
Benjamin also called up five new players - goalkeeper Mervin Kasetura; right back Erasmus Ikeinge; central defender Utjevera Rukata of topflight newcomers Okakarara United; holding midfielder Tjipenandjambi Karuuombe and striker Alfeus Leevi.
The squad is to be trimmed before it travels to South Africa for the friendly.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Immanuel Immanuel (Blue Waters), Mervin Kasetura (Prison IV), Loydt Kazapua (Chippa United, South Africa), Jonas Mateus (Orlando Pirates Windhoek), Kamainjanda Ndisiro (African Stars)
Defenders: Kennedy Amutenya (Gaborone United, Botswana), Ananias Gebhardt (Baroka, South Africa), Charles Hambira (African Stars), Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu, South Africa), Denzel Haoseb (Black Africa), Erasmus Ikeinge (Nampol FC), Ivan Kamberipa (Orapa United, Botswana), Given Mutuezu (Mighty Gunners), Tuli Nashixwa (Ramblers), Brandon Neibeb (Orlando Pirates Windhoek), Ryan Nyambe (unattached), Aprocius Petrus (Liria Prizren, Kosovo), Utjevera Rukata (Okakakara Warriors)
Midfielders: Paulus Amutenya (UNAM), Lawrence Doeseb (Life Fighters), Dynamo Fredericks (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Uetuurro Kambato (African Stars), Ndero Katua (UNAM), Ronald Ketjijere (African Stars), Reverend Matroos (Young Brazilians), Marcel Papama (Township Rollers, Botswana), Devin Somseb (Life Fighters), Prins Tjiueza (Liria Pritzren, Kosovo)
Forwards: Simon Elago (Ongos), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Absalom Iimbondi (Tigers), Eliakim Jadsson (Life Fighters), Edmar Kamatuka (African Stars), Joslin Kamatuka (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Tjipee Karuuombe (UNAM) Romeo Kasume (Ongos), Alfeus Leevi (Chula Chula), Bethuel Muzeu (Black Leopards, South Africa), Nehemia Ndengu (Prison IV), Wendell Rudath (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Petrus Shitembi (Kuching City, Malaysia), Erwin Tjiuja (Life Fighters).