Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat believes the conditions in South Africa favour Namibia more than his team ahead of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Johannesburg.

Like Kenya, Namibia are hosting their home match in Johannesburg due to a lack of an approved stadium at home but Firat feels the Orlando Stadium, which will host the match, plays to the Brave Warriors’ advantage.

This is because a number of Namibia players play in South Africa, while they will also be accustomed to the chilly weather expected in Johannesburg.

“I was surprised [with the weather]. I came from Turkey and it was 38°C but you have to adapt to every situation. There is no way to find excuses so the team that will be mentally ready will have the advantage,” Firat said of the 8°C expected in South Africa’s capital on Tuesday.

“It is an advantage of the field for them. For us, we have played one-and-a-half years, if you include the ban, it’s now two-and-a-half years, without a home match. I am the coach of Kenya but I have not played in Nairobi which is really ridiculous in a way.

“But I believe in our group, only Cameroon have real home advantage so for the other ones, there is no home advantage,” added the tactician, in reference to Kenya’s Group J rivals Namibia and Zimbabwe, who are playing their home matches away.

Firat has also singled out a number of Namibia players whose team should be wary of even if he remains confident of a positive outcome.

“They have not changed their playing style, it is very clear,” added Firat. “Everybody knows in Africa how they play. They are very disciplined, come from deep and play a very fast transitional game, therefore, they have very dangerous players like Peter Shalulile, Deon Hotto or [Bethuel] Muzeu.

“They have a lot of good players also Price [Tjiueza] is a good player, so offensively they have something to show and we will be ready.

“Offensively, we will miss a lot of players like our captain Michael Olunga who is important for us but we need to find solutions.”

Kenya started their qualification campaign with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe while Namibia lost 1-0 to Cameroon.

Namibia’s key players that Kenya must watch out for in Johannesburg

Harambee Stars will face the Brave Warriors of Namibia in their 2025 AFCON qualifier in Johannesburg on Tuesday but who are the players likely to give them a hard time?

Harambee Stars will take on the Brave Warriors of Namibia in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier looking to secure their first win of the qualification phase.

Kenya played out a drab goalless draw with Zimbabwe on Friday and are looking for a more positive outcome against Namibia, who are also searching for victory after opening their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Cameroon.

The result is what coach Engin Firat had asked for as he believes the Brave Warriors will play an open game in search of victory which will be to his team’s advantage as they can capitalise on the gaps left behind.

However, as Kenya prepares to face their hosts in South Africa on Tuesday afternoon, there are some players within the Namibia squad whom they will have to be wary of.

Edward Maova

Goalkeeper Edward Maova was man of the match against Cameroon despite his side’s defeat as he made a number of key saves in the match.

Maova was busy as early as the fifth minute when he showed his reflexes to keep out Carlos Baleba’s well-taken shot and it set the tone for the rest of the game.

The goalkeeper, who plays for Golden Arrows in South Africa, was also called into action on the hour mark when he saved Bryan Mbeumo’s shot at the near post.

While Vincent Aboubakar later breached him when his defence left him exposed, he stopped the striker from scoring a second following a one-on-one challenge that saw the forward fluff his lines.

Harambee Stars will therefore need to be at their brilliant best if they have to breach the man mountain in Namibia’s goal.

Deon Hotto

Another player Harambee Stars will have to keep an eye on is left-back cum wingback Deon Hotto.

The Orlando Pirates star can be a thorn in the flesh for his opponents due to his tendency to make forward runs and either create for his team-mates or score.

Hotto is at his best attacking on the left flank and his crossing is one of the best, making him a major weapon in attack for the Brave Warriors.

Despite being a left-back by trade, his teams use him on the wing on certain occasions to utilise his attacking strengths, and it is where Namibia like to field him.

Hotto nearly equalised for Namibia against Cameroon on Saturday when he received the ball in the box but his shot went wayward.

Harambee Stars might not be as lucky if they do not keep a keen eye on him, given he will be playing at his club’s home ground, the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

Moses Shidolo

Midfielder Moses Shidolo is another player within the Brave Warriors ranks that should be a handful for Harambee Stars.

Shidolo is Namibia’s main defensive midfielder who operates just in front of the defence while also dictating the tempo of the game.

The midfielder, who plays for Chula Chula FC, will be key in deciding if it will be a slow or fast paced game in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Shidolo brings a calming presence in midfield, adds defensive solidity while his accurate long balls will have to be watched by Kenyan players during Tuesday’s contest.

Peter Shalulile

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile is the undisputed star of the Namibia side that will take on Firat’s men.

Shalulile shook off injury concerns to be involved from the start against Cameroon and he will lead the line again against Kenya.

The striker had two good opportunities against Cameroon but drew out good saves from Andre Onana and Bryne Omondi in Kenya’s goal and his defenders will have to be watchful.

The Sniper, as he is popularly known, has a knack for scoring goals in crucial matches and he also allows them to play a high pressing game, due to his pace and clever runs behind the defence.

For Mila Sport

~ Dan~