WINDHOEK – Brave Gladiators coach Jacqui Shipanga has called up a 26-member provisional squad for a training camp that stared yesterday in Windhoek in preparation for the clash against the visiting Swaziland, which forms part of Namibia’s 25th independence anniversary celebrations on March 21.
In the aftermath of Namibia’s phenomenal showing in the 9th edition of the African Women Championship in Windhoek last year, the Gladiators have become the darlings of domestic football and it’s only proper that they have been given the nod to feature at the country’s independence celebrations that coincide with the inauguration ceremony of president-elect Dr Hage Geingob.
“Geingob was the number one supporter of the Gladiators during the championship and never missed a single match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, so it will really be a great honour for the ladies to play for him. Geingob was there for us and will remain there for us, so we just want to go out and make him proud,” says Shipanga.
New faces in the provisional squad are Vicky Kambonde (NDF), Selma Mavulu, Millicent Hikuam and Mellissa Matheus.
The last-minute withdrawal by veteran Lena !Noreses, as a result of school commitments, sees 15-year-old Anna Shaende (Galz & Goals) being drafted into the squad . She was a valuable member of the team that represented Namibia at the Youth Olympics in China last year.
“These players did particularly well during the talent identification tourney and we want to integrate them gradually into the system,” said Shipanga.
The provisional squad reads as follows:
Goalkeepers
Novata Paulus
Susanna Eises
Agnes Kauzuu
Selma Mavulu
Defenders
Mammie Kasaona
Esther Amukwaya
Ndapewa Katuta
Vicky Kambonde
Twelikondjela Amukoto
Lovisa Mulunga
Lorraine Jossop
Stacey Naris
Anna Shaende
Midfielders
Thomalina Adams
Emma Naris
Kleintjie Fredericks
Vistorine Shaangula
Annouscka Kordom
Millicent Hikuam
Melissa Matheus
Memory Ngonda
Forwards
Zenatha Coleman
Stella Williams
Anna Shikusho
Vewe Kotjipati
Short Listed Players
Lydia Eixas
Alberta Dawes
Juliana Blou