Nauseb braces for physical battle …Unam face Kabuscorp

Unam FC head coach Robert Nauseb expects an intense, physical battle when the Namibian side faces Angolan outfit Kabuscorp SCP in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup tomorrow.

Unam earned the right to represent Namibia in Africa’s second-tier club competition after winning the NFA Cup, and will now face a Kabuscorp side that Nauseb believes has considerable continental experience.

The coach acknowledged that his team faces a difficult assignment, particularly against an opponent accustomed to the demands and intensity of African club football.

“The test against Kabuscorp SCP will be an ultimate physical test. It’s a team that has been around the block. They have already been playing in this competition, while for us, this is the first time we are engaging in it,” Nauseb said.

“We expect a very physical game, obviously, given their physicality, stature, body structure and all that.”

Nauseb, however, is not underestimating his own side and believes Unam earned the opportunity to test themselves against one of Angola’s established clubs.

“We are facing a team that is very strong. We are facing a team that is very well coached, but we have given ourselves this opportunity to engage with these types of teams,” he said.

“We gave ourselves the opportunity to win the NFA Cup to be able to play in this competition. So, I have faith in my players. We have lost a few players, but we have also gained a few,” he added.

The coach said the arrival of new players has brought different qualities and dimensions to the squad, while the team is currently in a positive space ahead of the continental challenge.

“Those who have just come in have also brought different dimensions into the team. We are looking forward to a very creative game. The team is in good health,” Nauseb said.

Unam is still assessing the fitness of one player who is doubtful for the opening encounter. Nauseb said the player is a new signing whose registration and fitness are still being assessed.

“We have only one concern that we are still assessing. Hopefully, by next week he may be ready to play in the second leg, but I think he is doubtful for the first leg,” he said.

Despite the concern, Nauseb believes his squad is in a good space and will use the final training sessions to fine-tune preparations.

“The team is in a good space right now. We will have our first training session this afternoon (yesterday), and then we will see how the bodies and the boys are responding. We will monitor their progression and work on the final touches,” he said.

For Unam, the encounter represents more than just another fixture. It is an opportunity for the club to measure itself against continental opposition and gain valuable experience on the African stage.

Nauseb will be hoping his players can match Kabuscorp’s physical approach while maintaining the discipline and tactical organisation needed to secure a positive result over the two legs.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s other representatives in continental competition, African Stars, will also be tasked with navigating a difficult opening assignment.

Stars will face Gabonese side Mangasport in the first qualifying round of the CAF Champions League.

The two Namibian clubs will be looking to make meaningful progress in their respective competitions as they carry the country’s hopes on the continental stage.

The winners of the first qualifying round of the Champions League will advance to the second qualifying round, where the ties will be played over two legs from 16 to 18 October and 23 to 25 October.

Those second-round encounters will determine the 16 teams that qualify for the group stage of the competition.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na

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