Zebaldt Ngaruka
Otjiwarongo Sports Academy and Okakarara Golden Ladies FC are prepared for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) scheduled in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The two teams will represent Namibia at the tournament. The CAF Under-17 GIFT will focus on developing organised football for girls at the club or academy level across the continent.
Otjiwarongo Sports Academy is placed in Group A with Mpopona Sports Academy from Zimbabwe, Mamelodi Sundowns FC from South Africa, and Luwinga Academy from Malawi. Okakarara Golden Ladies are in Group B alongside Aquila Stars Women FC from Zambia, Refilwe FC from South Africa, and Lishoeshoe from Lesotho.
Otjiwarongo Sports Academy chairperson Raisameua Kasaona said his team is ready for the competition, and they have prepared well.
“All the players have been training, and there are no serious injuries. The mood in the camp is high, and everyone is excited about the tournament,” he said.
Kasaona said he expects positive results from the competition, as the atmosphere in the camp is superb.
Team captain Justina Mwashitwanayi stated that it is a great honour for her and the entire team to participate in the prestigious CAF competition outside Namibia’s borders.
“I am ready to give my best, lead my team with confidence, and make my country proud,” she said. Mwashitwanayi said this is an opportunity for her to learn, grow, and represent her team with pride. “We will do our best in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Meanwhile, Okakarara Golden Ladies president, Wilson Nguvauva, said preparations were not 100% complete, as some players didn’t have national documents and there was uncertainty about whether they would travel.
“Six of our players have been withdrawn from the traveling squad due to national documentation and serious injuries,” Nguvauva said.
The president was also not happy with local support for the team, but complimented the parents who invested in the team’s travel.
However, Nguvauva acknowledged the support from the ministry of sport under the auspices of chief sports officer for Okakarara Justice Kambuu Kavari, who provided transport for the team.
“We are thankful to him and his office, as they also provided two pairs of playing gears and other logistics. This is indeed a welcoming gesture, and the team looks ready despite traveling with 15 players,” he said.
The two teams left for Zimbabwe on Thursday. The tournament will start on Monday, 8 December, and run through 18 December.