Brave Gladiators players called up

The list of players who will go into camp ahead of the national women’s football team’s friendly match against Swaziland on March 21 was released yesterday. A total of 26 players were called up, with four shortlisted in case they would be needed to replace an injured or unavailable player. The players are to report for training on Sunday at 18:00 at the Namibia Football Association’s (NFA) offices. According to a press statement issued by NFA, the high number of players being called up is because almost half of the players are students. “We do not want them to miss out on classes in the morning and this will ensure that we have at least a training group of 20 players per session, said the statement signed by Jacqui Shipanga, the team’s coach. “It is an honour for the Brave Gladiators to be invited by government to play an international friendly match on Independence Day against Swaziland. Four players - Vicky Kambonde (NDF), Selma Mavulu, Millicent Hikuam and Mellissa Matheus - who were at the Talent Identification Tournament were called up. A fitness test on Monday afternoon will determine which members are fit enough to play against Swaziland before the final 20 players are announced a week before the match. Brave Gladiators squad: Goalkeepers: Novata Paulus (NDF), Sussana Eises (Okahandja), Agnes Kauzuu (JS Academy) and Selma Mavulu (Poly Babes). Defenders: Mammie Kasaona (NDF), Esther Amukwaya (NDF), Ndapewa Katuta (JS Academy), Vicky Kambonde (NDF), Twelikondjela Amukoto (JS Academy), Lovisa Mulunga (JS Academy), Lorraine Jossop (Poly Babes), Stacey Naris (Okahandja Blitz) Lena !Noreses (JS Academy) Midfielders: Thomalina Adams (JS Academy),Emma Naris (JS Academy), Kleintjie Fredericks (JS Academy), Vistorine Shangula (JS Academy), Annouscka Kordom (JS Academy), Millicent Hikuam (JS Academy), Melissa Matheus (JS Academy), Memory Ngonda (Ibbenburrin-Germany) Forwards: Zenatha Coleman (JS Academy), Stella Williams (NDF), Anna Shikusho (JS Academy), Vewe Kotjipati (FSV Gutersloh-Germany). Short List: Lydia Eixas (Okahandja Blitz Goalkeeper), Alberta Dawes (JS Academy defender), Juliana Blou (JS Academy forward) and Anna Shaende (Galz & Goals midfielder). WINDHOEK-SPORT REPORTER