WINDHOEK – Collin Benjamin, the coach of Namibia’s senior national football team, has emphasized the importance of honour and respect in response to a disciplinary issue affecting the team’s preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

According to NAMPA, Benjamin expressed his belief that a national team call-up must be met with honour, humility, and respect. This response comes after the Eeshoke Chula Chula Football Club attacking midfielder, Leevi Alfeus, was excluded from the Brave Warriors training camp for arriving two days late, an act the coach interpreted as a lack of respect to the nation and teammates.

Benjamin remarked that representing one’s country is a matter of pride and opportunity that not all players receive. Alfeus’ late arrival and the reasoning he provided were deemed insufficient, prompting his dismissal from the training camp to reflect on his attitude towards national duty.

Benjamin also noted that he communicates regularly with the players’ club coaches to monitor their progress before issuing national team call-ups. He highlighted that commitment at the club level is a prerequisite for national representation and that Alfeus’ behavior suggested a lack of desire to represent his country.

Ambrosius Tamhila, the Chairperson of Eeshoke Chula Chula, provided further context in an interview, explaining Alfeus’ late arrival at the national camp. Following a Sunday game, Alfeus was directed to travel to Windhoek but delayed his departure, citing the need to collect personal belongings in Oshikango. This led to his arrival on Wednesday, contrary to the expectations set by the club and national team.

The incident has resulted in a call to action for Alfeus to recommit to his training and prove his worthiness for future national team considerations. Meanwhile, the Brave Warriors continue preparations for their matches against Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe, set for 15 and 21 November 2023, as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.