Namibian promising star, Jonas Michael Omitted as Brave Warriors Name Preliminary Squad for FIFA Series 2026
By TUW
The Namibia senior men’s national football team, the Brave Warriors, has officially been included in the 2026 FIFA Series tournament, set to take place in March and April. However, the announcement of the preliminary squad has sparked debate among football followers after the notable omission of Chula Chula FC’s promising midfielder, Jonas Michael.
Michael, who has delivered a string of impressive performances in the domestic league, was widely expected to be considered for national duty. His exclusion from the provisional squad has raised questions among supporters and football analysts, many of whom believe his recent form warranted selection. Fans have since taken to social platforms to express concern and seek clarity over the decision.
“Did Bwebwe make the training squad? That kid is special!” Deputy Prime Minister of education, Youth, and Sports Dino Balloti questioned.
Despite the controversy, head coach Collin Benjamin has unveiled a 33-man preliminary squad as preparations begin for the FIFA Series, an invitational international tournament organized by FIFA. The competition brings together 48 national teams divided into 12 groups of four, providing national sides with valuable international exposure through friendly matches across different confederations.
Namibia has been drawn in Group A alongside Comoros (ranked 106th), Kazakhstan (114th), and Kuwait (135th), with the Brave Warriors currently ranked 118th in the FIFA rankings. All group matches will be hosted by the Kazakhstan Football Federation.
The Brave Warriors are scheduled to commence training on Monday, 9 February 2026, at 08h00 at Independence Stadium in Windhoek, as the technical team begins final preparations ahead of the tournament.
Namibia Preliminary Squad – FIFA Series 2026
Goalkeepers:
Jonas Mateus (Ongos), Mervin Kasetura (African Stars)
Defenders:
Sergio Damaseb (Mighty Gunners), Vetunuvai Hambira (African Stars), Tuhafeni David (Blue Waters), Deacon Kakuenje (Young African), Arend Aboubakir (Blue Waters), Mattias Ndaudako (Eleven Arrows), Simeon Ekandjo (UNAM), David Aingwafa (Chula Chula)
Midfielders:
Edmar Kamatuka (African Stars), Paulus Ileni Amutenya (UNAM), Elias Hambongo (KK Palace), Okeri Nguarambuka (African Stars), Rikambura Muundjua (African Stars), Laurence Doeseb (African Stars), Simon Nambondi (Mighty Gunners), Dwain Kinda (FC Ongos), Festus Petrus (Chula Chula), Ben Namib (Nampol FC), Junior Petrus (Blue Waters), Sam Ndahangwapo (Blue Waters), Victor Shimwetheleni (Tigers FC), Barnand Horaseb (Mighty Gunners), Wendell Rudath (African Stars), Givanne Cruz (Bucks Buccaneers), Simon Elago (FC Ongos), Stoffel Witbeen (Okahandja United), Nestor Iiyambo (UNAM FC), Nyambe Oscar (Rundu Chiefs)
Strikers:
Hans Mashiku (Mighty Gunners), George Marselino (Blue Waters), Wise Lifasi (Chula Chula)
As the Brave Warriors prepare to represent Namibia on the international stage, attention will remain on the final squad selection, with many hoping that strong domestic performances will continue to be rewarded as the tournament approaches.
