WINDHOEK – The Brave Gladiators are set to lock horns with Angolan club Progresso this weekend in two vital friendly matches that will serve as preparations for the 2014 CAF Africa Women Championship slated for 11-25 October in Windhoek.
The Angolans are expected to arrive today before taking on the Gladiators in their first match later today at the NFA Technical Centre at 16h30, while the second match will be played on Sunday at 15h30 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
According to Brave Gladiators head coach Jaqueline Shipanga, the idea is to expose the Gladiators to different styles of play as they expect tough competition at the actual championship in October.
“We have been training for over a month now and the girls have been working very hard as we wait to hear which seven teams are coming down for the championship.
But we know that no participant will be easy so we must prepare very well for them and spring a surprise or two.
The match against Progresso is a good boost for us as they have players from Cameroon and DR Congo in their ranks and about 90% of the Angola national team is made up of players from Progresso,” added Shipanga.
Shipanga also revealed that the other attributes of Progresso are also invaluable: “They are a very physical side, they train every day and have all the materials at their disposal, in fact better than most national teams in Africa and their depth is incredible.
“They are a very tactical team and we need to take them on and learn a thing or two from them to improve our own game.”
On Saturday, the two teams will have a “sharing of practices” session and Shipanga aims to learn more from the visitors as well. The Gladiators team will be comprised of senior and young players and will be without the Germany-based trio of Vewe Kotjipati, Lorraine Jossop and Thomalina Adams.
“They will only be joining us in April when we play the Germany national under-18 team as well as South Africa. For this weekend, players that are here will be considered and are expected to do the job well.”
By Staff Reporter