By Kaipaherue Kandjii

As the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, two of Namibia’s football icons—Nicolas ‘Woody’ Jacobs and Maximalliant Mbaeva—have stepped forward in full support of the Brave Warriors’ campaign, throwing their weight behind head coach Collin Benjamin’s determined efforts to make football history.
The crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Malawi on the horizon is fueling national pride and optimism ahead of the crucial encounter.
Jacobs, a revered former Brave Warriors midfielder, believes Namibia has a real shot at clinching a historic World Cup berth.
He expressed confidence in the current squad’s mix of local and international talent.
“I am impressed by the team’s preparation. The local players are looking sharp, and when you blend that with the experience of our international cohort, it becomes a strong combination,” Jacobs told Confidente on Wednesday. “This is a team capable of doing something special.”
However, Jacobs warned that the upcoming match against Malawi’s national team—affectionately known as The Flames—should not be underestimated.
“They’ve grown in leaps and bounds. We cannot afford complacency. If we can win the next two matches, including this one, our chances of qualifying become very real,” he said.
The tougher tests, according to Jacobs, lie in facing African heavyweights Liberia and Tunisia. “That will be our biggest challenge. But I believe in this group,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, echoing Jacobs’ sentiments, former national goalkeeper Maximalliant Mbaeva spoke of renewed hope within the team and the broader football fraternity. “The team looks strong.
The player selection is solid, and there’s a fresh sense of belief,” Mbaeva also told Confidente.
He also commended the recent gala dinner organized to raise funds for the World Cup qualifying campaign.
“That was a brilliant initiative, and we’re grateful to campaign manager Tim Ekandjo for bringing energy and structure to this effort,” he said.
However, Mbaeva didn’t hold back his criticism of previous refereeing decisions—particularly in Namibia’s clash against Tunisia—that he believes robbed the team of crucial points. “The officiating was unfair, and it cost us. But that’s in the past. Now we move forward with renewed faith,” he stated.
In a move that underscores the growing passion for football in Namibia, the NFA, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Innovation & Arts and Culture, has launched a national supporter convoy to Francistown, Botswana.
On 4 September 2025, just a day before the Malawi fixture, six buses will depart from six towns—Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, and Gobabis—carrying 560 fans to support the Brave Warriors at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.
With tickets priced at just N$200 and free stadium entry included, the initiative is designed to create a “sea of red” in the stands, turning the away fixture into a near-home game atmosphere.
Furthermore, former Brave Warriors player and head coach Bobby Samaria declined to comment on the current squad, citing professional ethics when quizzed.
“As a former coach, it would be unethical for me to publicly assess the current team under Coach Benjamin. Being a player is one thing, but coaching brings a different level of responsibility,” Samaria stated.