Preparations for the highly anticipated 2024 Olympic Qualification match against Equatorial Guinea are going exceptionally well, says Brave Gladiators head coach Paulus Shipanga.
In a media statement from the Namibia Football Association, Shipanga said he was happy with the progress of the training camp.
“I am extremely impressed with the team’s progress as we approach the games. The players are in excellent physical condition and have a strong mentality,” he said.
The team will depart for South Africa today where they will finalise their preparations for the two-legged qualifier.
“Overall, the team is looking solid. We have had no reports of serious injuries, and all players are in camp, except for Millicent Hikuam and Anoushka Kordom, who will join us in South Africa,” he added.
Shipanga underlined the Brave Gladiators’ ambition to reach the next stage of the competition, acknowledging the tough challenge posed by their opponents.
“Equatorial Guinea won’t be a walk in the park. They are determined to advance, but we have a well-balanced squad comprising experienced, young, and new players who are eager to compete at the highest level,” the statement quoted Shipanga as saying.
The first round of the Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament will witness nine home and away matchups.
The victors of each tie will progress to the second round, joining the seven highest-ranked teams from the previous Women’s African Cup of Nations.
The first leg of the qualifier between the Gladiators and Guinea will take place at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on 13 July 2023 at 15h00.
The return leg will be played at the Estadio De Malabo on 19 July 2023 at 16h00.
Brave Gladiators squad for the Olympic qualifiers;
Goalkeepers: Agnes Kauzuu (Tura Magic FC), Melissa Mateus (Beauties FC) and Quindra Batista (Unam Bokkies FC).
Defenders: Vewe Kotjipati (Borussia GER), Lovisa Mulunga, Emma Naris and Lydiana Nanamus all (Tura Magic FC), Julia Rutjindo (Girls & Goals FC) and Ndapewa Katuta (Nampol).
Midfielders: Ivone Kooper, Memory Ngonda, Juliana Blou (Tura Magic FC) Millicent Hikuam and Anoushka Kordom (Capital FC Atletica (USA), Hanavi Muhinatjo (Unam Bokkies), Twelikondja Amukoto and Elina Ulumbu (Nampol FC) and Anna Somses (V Power Angels FC).
Forwards: Zenatha Coleman (Fernebache FC (Turkey), Jekohasana Kamatjipose (Arrows Ladies FC), Anna Shikusho (Tura Magic FC) Fiola Vliete (Beauties FC) and Kylie van Wyk (Girls & Goals FC).