Gladiators preparing for Nigeria

The Brave Gladiators are hard at work, preparing for their second round African Nations Cup qualifying match against the Super Falcons of Nigeria in Windhoek on February 22.

The Gladiators qualified for the second round after thumping Botswana 9-1 on aggregate at the end of last year. On December 1, they pulled off a great 3-0 victory away to Botswana in Gaberone, with Lydia Lucas scoring two and Rejoice Kasaona one.Two weeks later they stepped up a gear to thrash Botswana 6-1 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.In that match inspirational midfielder Stella Williams was in great form, scoring a hattrick, while Salome Iyambo added two goals and Queen Manga one.Their performances underlined the fact that they have become a force to be reckoned with in southern Africa.As recently as 2003 they were thrashed 13-1 by South Africa, but they have since shown rapid improvement.In 2006 they reached the final of the Cosafa Cup, going down 3-1 to South Africa, and in March last year they held the DR Congo to a 3-all draw before losing the away leg.But in Nigeria’s Super Falcons they will come up against the top ranked team in Africa, which has won the African Nations Cup on six occasions.The Gladiators have already played three friendly matches against local teams in preparation for the match, winning all three convincingly.They beat the NDF Cheetahs 9-2, Poly Babes 4-1 and the national Boys Under 15 side 6-0.Newcomers to the squad All the players who were in the squad for Botswana have been retained, except for Mary Jacobs from Okahandja who is not available due to study commitments.Maureen Cooper and Bianca Fredericks from Keetmanshoop and Juliana Skrywer have been recalled to the squad after they last played for Namibia against the DRC in April last year.Five payers from the national Under 17 team have been called up to join the national squad, as part of their preparations for the Namibia School Sport Union Under 17 National Games which takes place in Swakopmund later this year.They are the exciting striker Zenathe Meid Kohlman from JA Nel Secondary School in Keetmanshoop.Kohlman, who is only 14 years old, is highly regarded by national coach Jacky Shipanga.”She is the most intelligent women’s player I have seen, and although she does not have the physical strength yet, I believe she can make the national team within a year,” Shipanga said.Fiona Witbooi from Mariental is another exciting youngster from Mariental.She is the younger sister of Brave Warriors midfielder Meraai Swartbooi and regards her brother as her biggest motivation to excel in football.Limba Witbooi from the Unam Bokkies has also been called up for the first time after some fine performances in the Khomas Women’s League.The only injury problem at the moment is that of striker Leandri Lucas.She is recovering from a knee injury she picked up against Botswana last year, but is receiving medical treatment and will hopefully recover in time for the match.The match takes place at the Khomasdal Stadium on Friday, February 22, starting at 19h00.Namibia SportOn December 1, they pulled off a great 3-0 victory away to Botswana in Gaberone, with Lydia Lucas scoring two and Rejoice Kasaona one.Two weeks later they stepped up a gear to thrash Botswana 6-1 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.In that match inspirational midfielder Stella Williams was in great form, scoring a hattrick, while Salome Iyambo added two goals and Queen Manga one.Their performances underlined the fact that they have become a force to be reckoned with in southern Africa.As recently as 2003 they were thrashed 13-1 by South Africa, but they have since shown rapid improvement.In 2006 they reached the final of the Cosafa Cup, going down 3-1 to South Africa, and in March last year they held the DR Congo to a 3-all draw before losing the away leg.But in Nigeria’s Super Falcons they will come up against the top ranked team in Africa, which has won the African Nations Cup on six occasions.The Gladiators have already played three friendly matches against local teams in preparation for the match, winning all three convincingly.They beat the NDF Cheetahs 9-2, Poly Babes 4-1 and the national Boys Under 15 side 6-0. Newcomers to the squad All the players who were in the squad for Botswana have been retained, except for Mary Jacobs from Okahandja who is not available due to study commitments.Maureen Cooper and Bianca Fredericks from Keetmanshoop and Juliana Skrywer have been recalled to the squad after they last played for Namibia against the DRC in April last year.Five payers from the national Under 17 team have been called up to join the national squad, as part of their preparations for the Namibia School Sport Union Under 17 National Games which takes place in Swakopmund later this year.They are the exciting striker Zenathe Meid Kohlman from JA Nel Secondary School in Keetmanshoop.Kohlman, who is only 14 years old, is highly regarded by national coach Jacky Shipanga.”She is the most intelligent women’s player I have seen, and although she does not have the physical strength yet, I believe she can make the national team within a year,” Shipanga said.Fiona Witbooi from Mariental is another exciting youngster from Mariental.She is the younger sister of Brave Warriors midfielder Meraai Swartbooi and regards her brother as her biggest motivation to excel in football.Limba Witbooi from the Unam Bokkies has also been called up for the first time after some fine performances in the Khomas Women’s League.The only injury problem at the moment is that of striker Leandri Lucas.She is recovering from a knee injury she picked up against Botswana last year, but is receiving medical treatment and will hopefully recover in time for the match.The match takes place at the Khomasdal Stadium on Friday, February 22, starting at 19h00.Namibia Sport