Windhoek
Namibia’s junior women football team the Baby Warriors will be ready to finish the job they started in Gaborone some two weeks ago when they confront Botswana in the 2nd leg of their 2016 FIFA Women U-17 World Cup preliminary round qualifier. The game takes place today at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 16h00.
According to coach Mervin Mbakera, the team has worked hard to rectify some minor issues that they experienced in the first leg in Gaborone but are now rearing to go.
“We watched the game with the girls and we together identified key areas of improvement. We had over two weeks to work on them. The girls are well aware of what is expected of them and how they should handle themselves today,” said a confident Mbakera.
“I believe the girls can do it – we are all in unison that we have to trust our capabilities and do enough in order to progress.”
The coach reveals that he has worked with the girls since 2012 and 80 percent of the team was part of the U-15 side he took to China for the Youth Olympics in 2014.
Namib Daughters striker Kylie van Wyk and Tura Magic striker Fransisca Haoses got the goals for Namibia in their 2-1 win over Botswana in the first leg.
The winner of today’s tie will advance to the first round where Nigeria await in early January 2016. The winner of that fixture will then play in the final round against either Zambia or South Africa for a place at the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women World Cup in Jordan. Only three countries will represent Africa at the championship.
The 20 players in camp are: Goalkeepers: Batista Kasume and Vitjitua Tijvau (Galz & Goals). Defenders: Veronica Van Wyk (Omaheke Queens), Anna Shaende, Vanessa !Noreses, Sharon Pieter and Helena Shuumbwa (Galz & Goals), Selma Enkali (Swakopmund FC). Midfielders: Ignacia Haoses (Tura Magic), Beverly Uueziua, Asteria Angula, Ashley Solomons, Shanice Daries and Mbitjita Mungunda (Galz & Goals). Strikers: Julia Rutjindo (Galz & Goals), Yvonne Kooper (Tura Magic), Kylie Van Wyk (Swakopmund FC) and Christa Januarie and Christophine Hanse (Mariental) and Kylie Styles (Karasburg).