Gladiators to avenge defeat

NAMIBIA’S Brave Gladiators will aim to avenge defeat against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in an international friendly football match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15h00.

With the Namibia Premier League (NPL) title in the trophy cabinet of African Stars at the moment, the female footballers will now come to the fore to show what they have in a bid to oust the South Africans.The match serves as a warm-up for the visitors who are leaving for Holland for a Four Nations Tournament later this month. Namibia recorded a narrow 4-3 loss to the same side in Pretoria, South Africa, on May 23 and will now be presented with a chance to redeem themselves in front of the home crowd.The Namibians will be without a few of their key players, but that should not deter them to down the visitors who are equally skilled and talented.According to the co-ordinator of the NFA Women’s Football Desk, Jacky Gertze, the home side will go for a win, despite the absence of some of they top players.The missing players include midfielder Julian Skrywer, who has a torn ankle ligament, while another midfielder, Leandri Lucas, has been booked off for two months after she sustained a shoulder injury.Defender Stephanie Hummel is doubtful to get a place in the starting line-up due to a hamstring injury, while red-hot striker Kleintjie Fredericks is still in doubt for the match after a groin injury she picked up in Pretoria.But Gertze confirmed that the 18-year-old Fredericks, who top-scored in the Khomas Women Football League this season, was allowed to train on Wednesday.The soft-spoken Okahandja Beauties goal machine is currently rated as the most valuable striker in women’s football and her excellent dribbling skills and darting runs will be a bonus for the side if she is declared fit to play.Defender Stacy Naris, who played a blinder in Pretoria, has also been nursing a minor injury and but has started training and can be used for the match.INJURIES, NOWORRIES Despite the injury worries, the home side has able players such as Natasha Ndjao from Rehoboth Queens who can fill the boots of Hummel on the day.According to Gertze Ndjao has done well at training and will be a good cover for the veteran defender Hummel.Gladiators coach Jacqui Shipanga also unleashed new talents in the 20-member Namibian squad, with Unam Bokkies goalkeeper Tania van Wyk and striker Ellencia Games from the Polytechnic of Namibia.Toshi Haufiku from the Windhoek College of Education also made her entry into the set-up and did not disappoint during the training camp either.Gladiators leading scorer Stella Williams, who did not have an impressive game in Pretoria, will be in the thick of things once again.Williams must produce the form she showed in the league if she wants her side to get past the visitors, while her captain, Queen Manga, in defence will have the duty to do the same.Williams has had a great season for her club Okahandja Beauties and her prowess and composure in front of goal will be important to carry the Namibians through.Partnering Manga in defence will be the experienced Mammie Kasaona, who is currently in great form.Kasaona, who also turns out for Beauties, is the vice captain of the national side and has over the past two years developed into a meaningful defender for the side.The match will take the Namibians into a break as their league has already ended, while it will be a good run for the South Africans who are looking forward to a physical and skilful display from the hosts. corry@namibian.com.na