Maurice Kambukwe
Tura Magic Ladies will on Sunday take to the field against Zimbabwean outfit Black Rhino Queens in their first match of the much-anticipated Caf Women’s Champions League Cosafa Qualifiers in Durban, South Africa.
Magic Ladies are part of seven teams competing in the inaugural competition that is a preliminary tournament for the first-ever TotalEnergies Caf Women’s Champions League scheduled for Egypt later this year.
Magic Ladies will then face Zambian-side Green Buffaloes on Tuesday in the three-team Group B.
The Namibians have an opportunity to gauge their opponents today when military teams Green Buffaloes Ladies and Black Rhinos Queens meet for the first time in the competition.
Speaking to Cosafa media desk, Magic Ladies’ captain Lydiana Nanamus acknowledged that it will not be an easy competition but maintained they will put up a great show to give their opponents a run for their money.
“We are going to have to work hard. We do respect our opponents, but we also bring a lot to the table. We have great quality and great passion for the game so I think we are good to go,” she said.
“We now have something to play for, not only to win the league in our country but also to qualify for the Champions League. It’s a great thing for the continent,” said Nanamus.
The competition started yesterday with Group A matches, which saw Botswana’s Double Action Ladies beat Manzini Wanderers Ladies from Eswatini 3-0.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies from South Africa and the Lesotho Defense Force were scheduled to play at 14h00 on the same day.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals and only the tournament winner will advance to the continental final.
Meanwhile, ahead of Magic’s departure to Durban, the team received a sponsorship worth N$600 000 from Debmarine Namibia towards their transport and playing gear.
Debmarine chief of finance Willy Mertens said they will continue to provide opportunities in the community through sports development.
“Access to equal opportunities and thriving with our communities through sports development are pillars of our social investment programme, where we are committed to programmes that uplift women and girls, as well as supporting youth development, and this is one example where we are showing our commitment,” he said.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na