Zebaldt Ngaruka
Following the successful conclusion of the Women’s Regional League promotion playoffs over the weekend, no kick-off date has been set for the country’s women’s elite league.
This was confirmed by NFA spokesperson Isack Hamata to New Era Sports. “No date now, but we will make an announcement and share other information related to WSL this coming week,” said the spokesperson. Two teams, Desert Foxes FC and Mighty Angels FC, respectively from central, southern, and northern zones, booked their place in the WSL for the new season.
Their promotion stemmed from impressive performance over the weekend at the central, southern, and northern promotion playoffs held in the capital and Oshakati.
Erongo region’s Desert Foxes and Mighty Angels from Oshana will fill the vacant positions left by relegated Okahandja FC and NUST Babes FC. Furthermore, this publication caught up with one of the winning coaches, Paulus Shipanga of Desert Foxes FC, who said it was a sweet victory for the club and that they are happy to have been promoted to the WSL.
“Besides the excitement, this is a big achievement for the team as we made history to become the first team from Walvis Bay to play in the country’s top women’s league,” he said. Shipanga said the team had unexpected victories in 2023, which led them to the playoffs against strong opponents and resulted in an emergence as victors.
“I am very happy for the girls as they prove to us that they have a hunger for success. They showed class and energy throughout, and now they are in the women’s top-flight league,” coach Shipanga said.
The head coach further said his team is very small, comprised mostly of schoolgirls with the majority being U/21.
“The youngest player in our team is 12 years old, and there is nothing fancy about this team despite commitment. We rehabilitate and give these young girls counseling to do better things in life and motivate them to take their education seriously,” he said.
Shipanga added that the team needs sponsorship, as playing in the WSL requires more resources, such as transport to honour league obligations.“Besides our achievement, things are not easy moving forward, as playing in the WSL is a mountain to climb. We need more sponsors, as in most cases, we forked out money from our pockets to fulfill the league duties,” he said. The head coach emphasised that this is a community team and is doing everything possible to keep the girls busy in Walvis Bay through sport. “It is high time for the corporate world and individuals to come on board and support with whatever is possible,” said Shipanga.
FC Ongos ladies won the FNB WSL last season.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com