Women ‘s football has been handed a lifeline with the announcement that the Namibia Football Association Women Super League will kick-off this weekend.
The announcement ends a nearly three-year barren period for the domestic football scene, during which time players have had to scavenge for game-time in sporadic unofficial events.
The competition will be wholly funded from the NFA ‘s developmental budget until substantive backers are sought.
“The effort that the team administrators put in will make this league successful and not the amount of money you put in,” said WSL chairperson Jackey Gertze.
The league has been expanded to 12 teams in a bid to increase exposure for players.
“Back in 2011 we had a competitive league of six teams and this time around, the competition is still there but we have included new clubs. The increase in teams may slightly decrease the quality of play but it gives more playing time to the players, which is something that is much needed,” Gertze explained.
She added that the majority of the clubs have relatively young players in their ranks which bodes well for the future.
“We are considering the World Cup qualifiers in November 2015 as well as the Cosafa Women Championships in December and the Africa Women Cup of Nations next year in Cameroon. We are excited about this project indeed and it was strategically planned for September,” said Gertze.
League manager and Brave Gladiators head coach Jacqui Shipanga believes the league will help their cause on the international front as the national selectors have a better platform from which to identify new talent and monitor the established campaigners.
The Brave Gladiators are set to compete in the Cosafa Women Championships in March next year, while the U-17 ‘s have Fifa World Cup qualifiers in November.
The senior women ‘s side also have qualification for the 2016 African Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon on the horizon.
“We are giving the ladies a chance to once again play the game they love and we need to ensure that we support them. The NFA have committed to pay for whatever needs to be paid for and once again we are grateful to Fifa for their support through Adidas. The teams are ready, we have some familiar faces and we will also have new exciting talents,” Shipanga said.
Saturday ‘s action starts with the Gals Goals side facing 21 Brigade Gunners at 08h40, followed by Nampol against Java Java Ladies FC. Last edition’s runner-up Okahandja Beauties take-on VP Angels at 11h50 before Unam Bokkies and Omaheke ladies do battle at 13h30.
Then, City Girls United and Rehoboth Queens meet at 15h10 after which defending champions Tura Magic Ladies, formerly JS Academy, renew their rivalry with Poly Babes at 16h50 in the final match of the day. Entrance fee is only N$2.
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