Potent Botes hangs his international boots
Time to hang up Brave Warrior boots: After enjoying 14 years of international caps in the national team Henrico Botes has gracefully bowed out.
Speaking from Johannesburg on Thursday morning, Botes said he finally decided to step down from the senior national team of Namibia following years of dedicated service albeit the many injuries that plugged his international career.
Botes said that his decision has been long time coming and after consultations with Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti, he decided to make the call. “I have been thinking about it for over a year now and it is only because of coach Mannetti that I kept pushing and ofcourse for the love of my country. I’m now in the twilight of my career and I need concentrate on my club career and focus all my energy on that. It is not an easy decision but I feel it is now time to call it quits on the national team,” Botes said.
The 35 year old Botes said that he felt it was time for him step aside and give chance to the younger generation in the country.
“There are a lot of exciting young players coming through and they need their chance to have their moments with the national team as well. It is for all of us and we all have a chance and now I need to step aside,” explained Botes.
The former Platinum Stars, Moroka Swallows and Ramblers striker wishes the current crop of players all the best in representing Namibia.
“It has been an incredible journey with these young boys and I wish them all the best. I’m still their biggest supporter. I am always available to them with advise on anything especially those young ones that moves abroad.”
“Who knows I might be part of the Warriors setup in the future. A big thank you to all the football fans in Namibia. Much love and God bless,” said Botes.
