FNB Women’s Super League defending champions Tura Magic Ladies’ gaffer Shama Gure has made it clear that their ambitions remain the same as last season – to win the league title.
Gure is excited with the return of the women’s topflight league and with the overall prospects of his girls hopefully clinching the league trophy for the umpteenth time.
He said they have been preparing hard for the start of the season and are ready to give it a strong start this weekend.
Magic Ladies will kick off their 2023 FNB Women’s Super League campaign with a clash against Right Way Ladies FC tomorrow at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Technical Centre in Katutura.
Despite the excitement, Gure remains cautious and said they will take it one match at a time as all the teams will be vying to start off strongly and, therefore, many surprises can be expected on the opening day of the league.
“We are overjoyed and grateful for FNB’s sponsorship. This initiative provides a platform for young girls to get back on the pitch, and we are deeply appreciative of the effort made to bring this to fruition. I am eagerly anticipating this weekend’s games and excited to see the level of competition that the other teams will bring to the field. My girls remain ready and well prepared for competition,” said Gure, as he also thanked FNB for coming on board with a three-year N$7.5 million sponsorship towards the league.
Ronnie Hoxobeb, head coach of Girls and Goals FC, shared similar sentiments, saying his team is well prepared for the weekend action and their aim is to start with a win.
He is excited to see young girls being given the opportunity to play football once again.
“I am thrilled to say that my team has been working hard and I am confident that they’re ready for this weekend’s games.
We have put in a lot of efforts, and we are eager to pick up where we left off last season,” he said, as they prepare to face Khomas Nampol FC tomorrow.
Meanwhile, speaking at this week’s league draw held in the capital, NFA Women’s Football chairperson Monica Shapwa thanked FNB for the efforts made to continue uplifting the girl-child.
“The FA has worked so hard to get to this point in women’s football. Last year, we trained coaches and administrators from all 14 regions to prepare them for the league. I believe it will be a great year for women’s football, especially with FNB on board. Tura Magic Ladies have done a great job over the past seasons by dominating the league and representing us as a country for the first time at the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021,” she said.
In other exciting fixtures lined up for tomorrow, Ongwediva Queens will take on Ramblers at the Oshakati stadium, while Beauties FC will face Okahandja FC at the NFA Technical Centre.
NUST Babes will challenge V-Power Angels also at the NFA Technical Centre, while Namib Daughters will take on Arrows Ladies at the Mondesa stadium.
Khomas Nampol will play against Galz and Goalz at the Unam Stadium.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na