‘We have the surprise element’ – Muinjo

National pride and dignity will be at the forefront when the national Under 15 girls’ soccer team represents Namibia at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China from 14 to 27 August.

Namibia Football Association (NFA) president John Muinjo told the group ahead of their departure that they should take pride in national representation and give their best for the country at all times.

“I have told them to remain focused and know that all Namibians are behind them. Their victories will be our victories and their defeats will disappoint us but we are cognisant of the fact that in sports you win and you lose and at this level participation and the experience you garner is very helpful going forward,” he said.

Muinjo said that Namibia’s Group B opponents, Mexico and the hosts, China are very tough nations but he expects the Namibian team to cause some surprises. The top two teams will reach the semifinals on 23 August against the top teams from Group A (Slovakia, Venezuela and Papua New Guinea) with the final set for 26 August.

“We are not very well known at these games. We have that surprise element that we can spring and it will be very good if we can start well against Mexico on Sunday (17 August) and try to take our chances against China in the second game on Wednesday (20 August). We will have nothing to lose and all to gain if we put up a good fight. Good luck to the team and to all of Team Namibia,” Muinjo said.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Youth Olympic Village (YOV) was officially opened by executive president of the Nanjing 2014 organizing committee, Yang Weize accompanied by IOC executive director, Gilbert Felli.

The Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Village (YOV) will house 3 800 athletes, along with team coaches and officials and is the heart of the games. It’s a place where athletes can relax, make new friends from around the world and the place they will call home for the duration of the Youth Olympic Games.

Namibia football team:

Quendra Kasume, Vetjiwa Tijvau, Mbitjitandjambi Mungunda, Chelsea de Gouveia, Jasmin Baas, Beverly Uueziua, Bianca van Wyk , Ashley Solomons, Revival Gawanas, Christophine Hanse, Chaan Beukes, Ignacia Haoses, Anna Shaende, Nondiyo !Noreses, Tarakuje Rukero, Luzane de Wee, Asteria Angula, and Ivonne Kooper. Coach: Marvin Mbakera, assistant coach: Evelyn !Noreses.