BRAVE Gladiators head coach Jacqui Shipanga says her charges are confident ahead of Sunday’s 2016 Caf Women African Cup of Nations first round first leg qualifier against Zambia.
The Gladiators leave for Zambia on Tuesday after spending two weeks in camp and Shipanga is taking 19 of the 27 players in camp who she believes will get the job done.
“I am very happy that we had two weeks of camp, which is a great luxury for us. The Women Super League has also helped a lot and the team also managed to play three competitive (training) matches. I have never been this confident before a qualifier and the spirit in the camp is encouraging,” Shipanga told the NFA website.
Shipanga added that while the team is raring to go, discipline will be key to achieving their objective against a much improved Shepolopolo.
“It has been a while since we played a competitive international game but the ladies are ready for this game. Most of the players played against Zambia when we beat them 2-0 in the Afcon of 2014 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and they are aware that things have changed and they will handle that,” said Shipanga.
The return leg is set for Friday, 18 March at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. The winner will play Tanzania or Zimbabwe in the second and final round of qualification for a spot at the finals in Cameroon.
In the squad are:
Goalkeepers – Agnes Kauzuu and Mellissa Matheus.
Defenders – Uerikondjera Kasaona, Ndapewa Katuta, Stacey Naris, Ester Amukwaya, Lovisa Mulunga and Lorraine Jossob.
Midfielders – Thomalina Adams, Emma Naris, Anouska Kordom, Juliana Skrywer, Juliana Blou, Vistorine Shangula, Memory Ngonda, Veweziwa Kotjipati.
Forwards – Zenatha Coleman, Anna Shikusho and Stella Williams.
