WINDHOEK – After suffering two consecutive defeats at the hands of visiting Black Queens of Ghana, Namibia’s Brave Gladiators have now turned their attention to this coming Sunday’s international friendly clash against another African heavyweight, Ethiopia, at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
The Brave Gladiators lost 3-1 on Independence Day and succumbed to another 3-0 defeat against their Ghanaian counterparts during their 2-legged friendlies that served as preparation for the upcoming 9th edition of the CAF Africa Women’s Championship starting October 11-25 in Windhoek.
The Gladiators have now been handed another lifeline to restore a measure of lost pride when they lock horns with Ethiopia in what could turn out a thrilling encounter.
According to Jackey Gertze, the NFA Technical Director Klaus Staerk, who was in charge during the second defeat to Ghana, will again be in charge of the team in the absence of head coach Jacqueline Shipanga, who is attending the Fifa Women’s Under-17 World Cup underway in Costa Rica.
“The team is expected to treat all games we are playing with utmost competitiveness. We need to raise the bar and we must believe that we can do it and play well,” says Gertze. Barry Rukoro, Secretary General of the NFA joined the chorus with Gertze, saying these preparatory games are very vital for the home side.
“We are spending a lot of money bringing the best in Africa down here to test our ladies and see how we can improve going forward, and we are confident that the team will come in good at the right time and they will represent Namibia well during the coming championship.
“And with the support of the nation, we can dream and dream big indeed,” added Rukoro.
By Staff Reporter