Gladiators hungry for glory

Limba Mupetami WINDHOEKNamibia will face Zambia in the final qualification round of the 12th edition of the Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) - a two-legged clash home and away between 14 and 23 February.The Gladiators will play Zambia away first in Lusaka, before playing the return leg in South Africa on 16 February.Coach Woody Jacobs said they have been training for the past two weeks and the team is taking shape after having trials during the first week with potential players from the regions.The likes of Namibian football poster girl Zenatha Coleman, who recently made an exit from Sevilla Football Club in Spain, was also last week seen training with the squad, despite previously announcing that she retired from the national team.The player has not made any announcements on her next move, but according to the rumour mill, she found a new home at a club in Turkey.This has, however, not been confirmed, with Jacobs opting to speak about the local squad’s fitness, saying the players aren’t where he wants them yet.“It’s a work in progress and we are optimistic that we will improve even more. However, not having adequate playing time against quality opposition has taken off some steam, but we remain focused on the task at hand.”Coach lauds commitment“I’m surprised by the turnout of players ever since we started training despite the outstanding allowances not yet being paid. We really would like to commend the players for their drive and commitment during this very difficult time. It just shows the hunger of the team to do well,” Jacobs added.Anna Shikusho, one of the squad’s prolific players, said preparations are going well, and that the players are pushing themselves to get to the required fitness level.“There are positive vibes all around and we are looking forward to the games.”In the first leg of qualifiers played last year, Namibia knocked out Tanzania 5-3 on aggregate. The 11 winners of these ties will qualify for the Awcon to take place in Morocco from 2 to 23 July.As hosts, Morocco automatically qualified. The tournament doubles as the African qualifiers for the World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand. The top four teams at Awcon will qualify for the global showpiece.

Gladiators hungry for glory

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-05

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Gladiators hungry for glory

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-05

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