Keetmanshoop: The head coach of the Zambezi Region's Under-20 (U20) football team, Lennox Kanyehu, on Monday announced a 20-member provisional squad for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup slated for Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas Region. The 24th edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup runs from 03 to 06 April in the southern town.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Zambezi Region, drawn against defending champions, Kunene and Omusati in Group D, hopes history may repeat itself when the regional team won the 2022 tournament at Oshakati in the Oshana Region. Kanyehu has maintained balance by returning seven of his 2025 experienced team members and incorporating 13 new youngsters.

"The team has been training together for the past few weeks with the limited resources at our disposal. I'm adamant that this year, they will be able to surpass the 2025 quarter-final mark, where we were knocked out of the tournament in the quarter finals," said Kanyehu.

The provisional squad that departed from Katima Mulilo on Tuesday includes two goalkeepers, Mundia Gilbert Sinabu and Kutelo Lusepani, who ply their trade at Sahara FC and Namib Chiefs respectively. As for defenders, the squad boasts Sanzila Simataa of Zambezi United, Iven Kamaya of Zambezi Sporting Academy, Mupoti Jobo of Bush Bucks, Peter Matiti of Katima Wanderers, Philip Mukwali of Shooting Stars, and Golden Kaonde of Katima Wanderers.

The midfield list consists of Simataa Kabuku, who plays for Zambezi United, Mwambwa Chalo of Bright Stars, Paulus Romans for Green Eagles, Kuhamura Sinyemba for Zambezi United, Lizazi Musweu for Blue Chiefs and Muyunda Simasiku, who plays for Bush Bucks. The wingers are Thikuro Tuhafeni for Namib Chiefs, Mateu Runduro for Black Hawks and Boysen Sikwibele for Space Age FC. The striking force comprises Innocent Mutumba from Zambezi Sporting Academy as well as Leon Limbo and Namayabona Mushe from Bush Bucks.