Arrows take aim at Nampol 

Arrows Ladies are looking to upset one of the PSTBet NFA Cup favourites when they take on Khomas Nampol in the women’s section quarter-finals this weekend.

They clash in the second match of Saturday at Oshakati Independence Stadium, with Okahandja taking on Nust Babes in the action opener.

Beauties and Unam Bokkies open proceedings at the same venue on Sunday before Ongos Ladies and Ramblers round off the quarter-final battles.

Nampol, the 2017 Women’s Super Cup champions, ruthlessly disposed of Girls and Goals 4-0 to reach the last eight, while Arrows are one of four clubs set to get their first taste of the competition after getting byes in the previous round.

Nampol hotshot Helena Shuumbwa notched a treble, with Martha Haufiku scoring the other goal.

Arrows are under no illusion about the challenge that lies ahead, but intend to give as good as they get.

Having not gotten the chance to bed into the competition is not a handicap for his side, says Arrows head coach Salomon ‘Eto’ Nakale.

“It is our first time ever in this PSTBeT NFA Cup. We are also one of the newest teams in the Namibian Women Super League, as we are only in our second season running now,” Nakale says of his relative novices.

“Our ambition is probably the same as all the other teams, which is to try and play well and go into the competition with a positive mindset and with a sense of teamwork, and play the best possible way that we can.”

Nakale expects his charges, who are comfortably stationed in mid-table in the Women’s Super League, to give Nampol a run for their money.

“It’s a game to watch, and for us it doesn’t matter who we play against, we apply our culture of play and normally stick to our preparation for any match we play,” he says.

Namibia Football Association brand manager Isack Hamata believes honours are up for grabs, given the unpredictable nature of cup clashes.

“Unlike in the league, this cup race does not have a definite favourite. Beauties, Khomas Nampol and FC Ongos are league front runners, but this tournament may just deliver an entirely different winner,” he says.

Ongos beat Namib Daughters 5-2, courtesy of a hat-trick from Ivonne Kooper, to go with strikes from Emma Naris and Gangan Engelbrecht.

Magdalena Kaembera and Petronella Somses were on target for Namib Daughters.

Unam Bokkies booked their quarter-final place with a 1-0 win over Ongwediva Queens, with Beauties needing a penalty shoot-out to overcome V-Power Angels 5-3, following a goalless 90 minutes.

“I watched Ongos Ladies against Namib Daughters at the coast. They won, but it was not convincing. Beauties were also held at Oshakati and survived on account of penalties.

“Nampol looked more convincing and polished to me. They have a few players with massive national team experience,” Hamata says.

Football lovers and revellers will get their money’s worth, and should pack the stands at Oshakati, Nakale says.

“Women’s football is evolving and definitely growing in Namibia. So, Namibians need to come out in numbers to witness great football development and good action. We look forward to the game indeed,” the coach says.

“The competition is great so far, and we really would like to say thank you to the sponsors and to the NFA for all they have done to make this possible for all soccer players out there, and above all for making sure it included both men and women.”