Gladiators to hunt down Botswana

THE Brave Gladiators will be doing the country proud if they successfully hunt down Botswana in their crucial home leg tie of the African Nations Cup qualifiers at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 14h00. The match is a return leg after Namibia beat Botswana 3-0 in Gaborone on December 1 at the University of Botswana Stadium.In that match, Gladiators sharpshooter Leandri Lucas of Rehoboth Queens opened the scoring for the women’s side in the 17th minute after an accurate pass from veteran striker Stella Williams, who turns out for Okahandja Beauties.Namibia extended their lead in the second half through a well taken free-kick from Lucas after Williams was brought down metres outside the box.The Namibians buried Botswana with a blast from Rejoice Kasaona, who played in only her second international for the side.Kasaona hails from Opuwo and is left-footed.This time, the Namibian women will be hoping to record an even bigger score as their match kicks off ahead of the final match of the Under-17 Cosafa match for boys.A statement from the team yesterday praised NFA president John Muinjo and acting secretary general Barry Rukoro for promoting the women’s game in the country.It read: “The biggest motivation of the growth in women’s football is without doubt the association’s president (Muinjo) who continuously supports the growth of women and youth development in Namibia.”It said Muinjo plays an enormous role as he is usually in dialogue with sponsors and stakeholders to fund the team, compared to other associations which still struggle with a lack of funds.The statement also confirmed that all the regions have now started with women’s football as they have received their start-up capital and administration fees.Meanwhile, the squad announced yesterday consist of core players who have been competing at national level for the past few years.The notable players in the Namibian side include captain Queen Manga, who will be relied upon in defence, while in goal Bonitha Eixas will be the automatic choice because of her height and experience at the top level.Stephanie Hummel will be another crucial defender for the home side, while in midfield, Lucas and Helena Ipinge will be expected to be in charge.The fast-sprinting Mary Jacobs is also in the mix, while others include Stephanie Cloete and Cornelia Angula.The attack with be led by Stella ‘Rita’ Williams, while others who will be vying for selection are Ruusa Theodor, Helvi Asheendo and Salome Iiyambo.The side has also employed the services of women’s national hockey coach Erwin Handura for fitness training, while Civics goalkeeper, Danzyl Bruwer has been coaching the women at the goalposts.Jacqui Shipanga, probably the most successful coach with the side so far, will be in command and will be assisted by Brian van Staden, a former player for Civics.Natasha Cloete is the team manager, while Melitta Kgobetsi will be attending to the medical needs of the players.The side also has a kit manager in Elina Petrus.The final team of 18 players will be made known today.The match is a return leg after Namibia beat Botswana 3-0 in Gaborone on December 1 at the University of Botswana Stadium.In that match, Gladiators sharpshooter Leandri Lucas of Rehoboth Queens opened the scoring for the women’s side in the 17th minute after an accurate pass from veteran striker Stella Williams, who turns out for Okahandja Beauties.Namibia extended their lead in the second half through a well taken free-kick from Lucas after Williams was brought down metres outside the box.The Namibians buried Botswana with a blast from Rejoice Kasaona, who played in only her second international for the side.Kasaona hails from Opuwo and is left-footed.This time, the Namibian women will be hoping to record an even bigger score as their match kicks off ahead of the final match of the Under-17 Cosafa match for boys.A statement from the team yesterday praised NFA president John Muinjo and acting secretary general Barry Rukoro for promoting the women’s game in the country.It read: “The biggest motivation of the growth in women’s football is without doubt the association’s president (Muinjo) who continuously supports the growth of women and youth development in Namibia.”It said Muinjo plays an enormous role as he is usually in dialogue with sponsors and stakeholders to fund the team, compared to other associations which still struggle with a lack of funds.The statement also confirmed that all the regions have now started with women’s football as they have received their start-up capital and administration fees.Meanwhile, the squad announced yesterday consist of core players who have been competing at national level for the past few years.The notable players in the Namibian side include captain Queen Manga, who will be relied upon in defence, while in goal Bonitha Eixas will be the automatic choice because of her height and experience at the top level.Stephanie Hummel will be another crucial defender for the home side, while in midfield, Lucas and Helena Ipinge will be expected to be in charge.The fast-sprinting Mary Jacobs is also in the mix, while others include Stephanie Cloete and Cornelia Angula.The attack with be led by Stella ‘Rita’ Williams, while others who will be vying for selection are Ruusa Theodor, Helvi Asheendo and Salome Iiyambo.The side has also employed the services of women’s national hockey coach Erwin Handura for fitness training, while Civics goalkeeper, Danzyl Bruwer has been coaching the women at the goalposts.Jacqui Shipanga, probably the most successful coach with the side so far, will be in command and will be assisted by Brian van Staden, a former player for Civics.Natasha Cloete is the team manager, while Melitta Kgobetsi will be attending to the medical needs of the players.The side also has a kit manager in Elina Petrus.The final team of 18 players will be made known today.