‘I am here to win matches’ – Futsal coach Antunes
Newly appointed futsal national team head coach Marcos Antunes is gunning for glory in his first match at the helm of the team, assuring that he is here to make sure the country gets victories.
The Portuguese national, who was appointed last week, is hoping to transform the fortunes of the national team and steer them to top honours.
Antunes’ first assignment will be against Kenya on Friday at the Dome in Swakopmund for the first leg of the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2026 Qualifiers.
Namibia previously qualified for the tournament in 2024, and now the pressure is on the experienced coach to guide them to another tournament and beyond.
Happy with talent at disposal
Speaking at a press conference in Windhoek yesterday, Antunes expressed satisfaction with the talent at his disposal.
“I would like to say that it is an honour to be in Namibia and to be the national team head coach.
“I must say it is an important step in my career, and I can say that I like the people here and the conditions.
“The most important thing that we can defend in sport is the flag of the country, and the players know that they are playing for the entire nation,” Antunes said.
The coach is expecting his charges to fire on all cylinders to beat Kenya in their home match.
He feels the team must understand that it is representing many people who do not have the opportunity to play.
“I must say that at this level we have to win, and I am here to win matches and make sure that we get that victory,” Antunes reiterated.
Proven record
Antunes brings a wealth of international experience to the Brave 5 team, having featured at two Fifa Futsal World Cups: Lithuania in 2021 and Uzbekistan in 2024.
He most recently guided Angola to a silver medal at the 2024 Futsal Afcon, underlining his pedigree on the African stage.
The 49-year-old Uefa-licensed coach holds a postgraduate qualification in futsal and is widely respected for his tactical discipline, player development philosophy, and competitive mindset.
Strong 14-squad
The coach also selected a team that will battle Kenya in Swakopmund in the first leg before playing the second leg in Nairobi on 28 December.
The team that wins the tie between Namibia and Kenya will face Libya in the final qualifying match, with the eventual winners heading to Morocco in April 2027.
The named players are:
Goalkeepers: Riya Usurua, Rigardo Rooy
Defenders: Nanguei Kamatuka, Donald Modise
Wingers: Bornface Siyanga, Celu Tobias, Nigel Prins, Luis Solunga, Ichshaun von Francois, Wesley Otto, George Haikali
Pivots: Ken Salote, Martin Humphries, Celso Roberto
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