Coach Woody Jacobs has named his starting eleven for the Brave Gladiators opening match against Uganda in Group C of the 2021 Cosafa Women championships,taking place Thursday, 30 September at 12h00.

Striker Anna-Marie Shikusho will not play part in the encounter taking place at the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth.

The striker sustained a knee injury during training, but is being kept under medical supervision to ensure her return.

“The medical team is keeping a close eye on her and working towards nursing her back to health for the next matches.” The Gaffer says.

While Shikusho will be a notable absence in today’s match, Gladiators Veteran hitman Rita Williams returns to action after years away from national duty.

Williams makes a return to the team, having last represented the country in 2017 when the Women Cosafa Cup was hosted in Zimbabwe.

Shortly after Namibia faces Uganda tomorrow at 12h00, groupmates Zambia and Eswatini meet at 15h30. Namibia will then battle Zambia on 3 October at 15h30, and lastly meet Eswatini at the same time on the 5th October to conclude group matches, which also reveals the top two countries to advance to the next round.

Brave Gladiators vs Uganda : Mellissa Matheus, Eddelsisingh Naris, Lovisa Mulunga, Veronica Van Wyk, Iina Katuta, Memory Ngonda, Juliana Blou, Thomalina Adams, Twelikondjela Amukoto, Milicent Hikuam, Rita Williams.

Source: Namibia Football Association (NFA)