The Brave Gladiators shifts their focus from the COSAFA Women Championship, to the 2022 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) Qualifiers first leg match on the 20 October in Tanzania.
The Gladiators were eliminated from the 2021 Cosafa Women championships on Tuesday afternoon but remains in the friendly city of Gqeberha as they prepare for the upcoming 2022 CAF Women AFCON qualifier against Tanzania.
Coach Woody Jacobs sends back home five players with their replacements joining the team soon.
Anna Shikusho, Thomalina Adams, Fiola Vliete, Stella Williams, Kamunikire Tjituka are the players released due to various reasons, primarily injuries.
Skipper Zenatha Coleman and defender Veweziua Kotjipati who both missed out on the COSAFA tournament, are confirmed to be joining camp next week, while the UNAM Bokkies trio of Hilma Shapumba, Hilary Gontes and Meltret Ujamba are expected to arrive in South Africa for camp before the end of the week.
Jacobs says COSAFA provided the team with a clear prospect to not only commendably asses their opponents, but as well identify short comings within their team.
He states that despite the team unfortunately losing some of its valuable players to injury, the new add-on players are strategic performers for their clubs, and trusts they will blend in with the rest of the squad in camp.
Jacobs explains that in the face of challenges such as inactiveness of football in the country, the aim remains to execute and progress to a stage where the team can further test their strengths.
“Looking at Tanzania’s performance in the tournament, we know we are up for a tough match, so of course we need to up the competition. We will analyze them in their match tomorrow, and work out a plan to go and upset them.”
The 2022 AWCON, which was initially scheduled for 2020 but cancelled due to COVID-19, will now take place in Morocco around 02-23 July 2022.
Host country Morocco, automatically qualified, while the remaining eleven (11) spots will be determined by the qualifying rounds.
After their first leg match on the 20th, Namibia will return to South Africa to prepare for their home match on the 23rd October in Johannesburg.
Brave Gladiators squad:
Goalkeepers: Agnes Kauzuu, Mellissa Matheus, Sussanna Eises,
Defenders: Iina Katuta, Asteria Angula, Selma Enkali, Veronica Van Wyk, Emma Naris, Nicole Philander, Lydiana Nanamus, Lovisa Mulunga, Hilma Shapumba, Veweziua Kotjipati.
Midfielders: Annouscka Kordom,Twelikondjela Amukoto, Millicent Hikuam, Juliana Blou, Asteria Angula, Beverly Uueziua, Shanice Daries , Meltret Ujamba,
Forwards: Zenatha Coleman, Memory Ngonda, Kylie Van Wyk, Hillary Gontes
Source: Namibia Football Association (NFA)
