Gladiators in do-or-die tie

NAMIBIA’S Brave Gladiators will pay dearly if each player fails to hold her position on the field when they meet the Democratic Republic of Congo in an important 2008 Olympic Games qualifier at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.

The Namibians, who mostly played out of position and who scattered around in the middle of the park in their last international encounter against Zimbabwe, will have to keep their positions on the pitch this time. The lack of coordination among the defenders, midfielders and the forwards, which resulted in easily giving possession away, needs to be eliminated if the side intends to pull off a win.In the first international friendly match against Zimbabwe, the Namibians played as a unit and found each other with neat passes as their built up towards the opposition’s goal, but their second match showed a lack of concentration, poor judgement in ball distribution, while there were clear signs of fatigue among several players.With the DRC being a physical side with players who can take their chances from afar at goal, the Namibians have the challenge of keeping possession and dominating in terms of territory.Earlier, Gladiators coach Jacqui Shipanga promised to work on positional play, while she also said that she wanted each player to take responsibility on the pitch and stepping up to the difficulties that are being presented to them.Shipanga, a former national team captain, was also not impressed with the fitness level of some players, but should be confident of a better performance as most players have proven at training that they can go the distance.Namibia will be playing against DRC for the first time since Independence and the match is vital at home, as they will face a more rigid DRC in their backyard on March 10.The team was trimmed to 18 players yesterday, but the first 11 will be made known later today ahead of the clash which promises to bring out the best of the locals as they would be playing in front of a capacity crowd at the former Mecca of football in the capital.The Windhoek-based Namibia premiership and Brave Warriors players are expected to make their way to the stadium in support of their women counterparts, while football fans from the surrounding suburbs should find no difficulty in turning up in numbers because of the proximity of the venue.On paper, the Namibian side has some of its most experienced players who can steer the ship to victory, but that will depend on what they do with any chances that present themselves.Okahandja Beauties FC striker Stella Williams, who also plays as an attacking midfielder, will be hoping to make an impression tomorrow, while Leandri Lucas of Queens FC, will be another player who needs to use her physique to get past the visiting defenders.Lucas, Williams, Stephani Hummel and Juliana Skrywer are key forwards for the side and their experience on the day will be of great significance if they can deliver.Hummel, who is the daughter of former Orlando Pirates great Alu Hummel, is good in the air and a strong shooter, despite struggling with pace at times.Elskamien Cooper of Queens FC and Elmarie Fredericks of Okahandja Beauties FC are able to contain the midfield, but will have to play a more attacking game to provide quality balls to their strikers.At the back, Queen Manga, who can also be used in other positions, will anchor the backline alongside her captain Helvi Eliakim, in what could be a daunting task in keeping the gate.The two central defenders communicate well at the back and hardly leave any room for their goalkeeper to be exposed.Stacey Naris, who plays as a right back, has so far proved worthy in that position, while there is still no certainty who will be in the left-back position between Zuma Hamata and Novata Paulus.Goalkeeper Bonnitta Eixas will be in the starting line-up as she has so far proven to be better than her rival, Meriam Swartbooi.The two goalkeepers are also fighting it out for a position at their team Okahandja Beauties.The lack of coordination among the defenders, midfielders and the forwards, which resulted in easily giving possession away, needs to be eliminated if the side intends to pull off a win.In the first international friendly match against Zimbabwe, the Namibians played as a unit and found each other with neat passes as their built up towards the opposition’s goal, but their second match showed a lack of concentration, poor judgement in ball distribution, while there were clear signs of fatigue among several players.With the DRC being a physical side with players who can take their chances from afar at goal, the Namibians have the challenge of keeping possession and dominating in terms of territory.Earlier, Gladiators coach Jacqui Shipanga promised to work on positional play, while she also said that she wanted each player to take responsibility on the pitch and stepping up to the difficulties that are being presented to them.Shipanga, a former national team captain, was also not impressed with the fitness level of some players, but should be confident of a better performance as most players have proven at training that they can go the distance.Namibia will be playing against DRC for the first time since Independence and the match is vital at home, as they will face a more rigid DRC in their backyard on March 10.The team was trimmed to 18 players yesterday, but the first 11 will be made known later today ahead of the clash which promises to bring out the best of the locals as they would be playing in front of a capacity crowd at the former Mecca of football in the capital.The Windhoek-based Namibia premiership and Brave Warriors players are expected to make their way to the stadium in support of their women counterparts, while football fans from the surrounding suburbs should find no difficulty in turning up in numbers because of the proximity of the venue.On paper, the Namibian side has some of its most experienced players who can steer the ship to victory, but that will depend on what they do with any chances that present themselves.Okahandja Beauties FC striker Stella Williams, who also plays as an attacking midfielder, will be hoping to make an impression tomorrow, while Leandri Lucas of Queens FC, will be another player who needs to use her physique to get past the visiting defenders.Lucas, Williams, Stephani Hummel and Juliana Skrywer are key forwards for the side and their experience on the day will be of great significance if they can deliver.Hummel, who is the daughter of former Orlando Pirates great Alu Hummel, is good in the air and a strong shooter, despite struggling with pace at times.Elskamien Cooper of Queens FC and Elmarie Fredericks of Okahandja Beauties FC are able to contain the midfield, but will have to play a more attacking game to provide quality balls to their strikers.At the back, Queen Manga, who can also be used in other positions, will anchor the backline alongside her captain Helvi Eliakim, in what could be a daunting task in keeping the gate.The two central defenders communicate well at the back and hardly leave any room for their goalkeeper to be exposed.Stacey Naris, who plays as a right back, has so far proved worthy in that position, while there is still no certainty who will be in the left-back position between Zuma Hamata and Novata Paulus.Goalkeeper Bonnitta Eixas will be in the starting line-up as she has so far proven to be better than her rival, Meriam Swartbooi.The two goalkeepers are also fighting it out for a position at their team Okahandja Beauties.