The ability of the Brave Warriors to unite Namibians should be celebrated, and their talent should be capitalised on beyond their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sociologists say this approach would lead to the country breaking many barriers and using diversity and unity as tools for the wholesome development of its society.

Away from the euphoria that has engulfed the Namibian nation every time the Brave Warriors take to the field, there is a grand display of impenetrable unity among Namibians.

The selection or call-up to play on the national team is always the aspiration of any athlete, and although skills have been an overriding determining factor, it is the diversity that transitions into one Namibian team on the pitch.

This has helped Namibians to forego the wounds of a racially and tribally divided society, to which they were subjected under colonialism.

Sociologists are of the view that although it will take a lot more to undo the mental damage caused by segregation, the Brave Warriors' participation and progress in AFCON can be a guiding manual.

But the shift in mindsets towards sports as a unifying factor has not been fully traversed within Namibian society, Dr. Tjirera, a former soccer player himself, argues.

This is influenced by the fact that soccer and many other sports are treated as hobbies rather than careers.

As with any game, to keep the support base solid, the Brave Warriors had to redeem themselves in the game against Mali, following a devastating four-nil loss to Bafana Bafana last week.

Commentators attributed the loss mostly to missed opportunities and the ill-prepared psychology of the warriors.

This further divided social media users between die-hard supporters and doubting Thomases, who did not hide their feelings.

Namibia is set to take on its northern neighbour, Angola, on Saturday in the round of 16, the first ever appearance of the team in the second round of the AFCON.

Victory for the Brave Warriors in the Bouake Stadium encounter will set up a mouth-watering quarterfinal clash with the winner of the second round encounter between Nigeria and Cameroon.