THE Brave Gladiators should hold their heads high despite an early exit from the ongoing 2018 Cosafa Women’s Championship, said star forward Zenatha Coleman, who missed out on their South African adventure.
Namibia ended the competition on a high with a come-from-behind 4-1 thrashing of Swaziland in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on Monday.
A narrow 1-0 defeat to Zimbabwe last Thursday, followed by a goalless stalemate against Group C winners Uganda on Saturday put paid to their chances of progressing to the semi-finals.
The predominantly youthful Gladiators ensured they would not leave the tournament without a statement result as they put the Swazis to the sword in Monday’s dead-rubber encounter.
Swaziland took the lead after four minutes through Celiwe Nkambule. However, the Brave Gladiators hit back through promising striker Kylie van Wyk two minutes later, with sturdy defenders Lina Katuta and Lovisa Mulunga adding a goal apiece before half-time.
Katuta completed the rout with her second goal on 90 minutes. And for the third match running, the player of the match prize went to a Namibian, this time live-wire forward Thomalina Adams.
Gladiators captain and centre-back Emma Naris won the accolade against Zimbabwe and Uganda.
Coleman missed the tournament due to commitments at new club Valencia CFF in Spain, but commended her compatriots for their performances.
“You may have been knocked out of the tournament, but your displays in those three matches need to be appreciated,” she wrote on her Facebook account.
“With no league, but you went out there with what you had, and performed well. I’m super proud of you girls.
“Don’t give up on your dreams. It may take time, but let’s keep working hard towards it. I personally want to thank each and everyone of these players, their parents, teachers, coaches as well as all their family members and particularly the Namibian nation. Continue supporting the Brave Gladiators, they are our stars,” Coleman stated.
Guest nation Uganda progressed to the semis after their 2-0 win over Zimbabwe for a tally of seven points. Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors, who are on six points, have an anxious wait to find out if they go through as the best placed runner-up.
