Gladiators ready for Zebras
The Brave Gladiators of Namibia have called up a squad of 20 players to take on the Zebras of Botswana in the first leg of their 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifier clash on Friday.
The Gladiators will leave the country today for Botswana, where they will be joined by Spain-based Zenatha Coleman and German-based Veweziwa Kotjipati.
Sports minister Erastus Uutoni urged the Gladiators to play as a unit and maintain discipline at all times.
“Don't go show off, but play for the team as the purpose is to qualify. Play to promote and brand your country,” he said.
Uutoni emphasised that sport has the means to change one's life, as it is powerful.
“Jamaica is known all over the world because of their athletes. You are good players, but whatever you do, don't hold the ball too long and let the ball move forward,” he advised the players.
Uutoni emphasised that the ministry doesn't have money, but they will make do with what they have to promote the country's athletes.
He also encouraged the NFA Women's Desk to continue grooming young players in order to develop the game further.
The Women's Desk announced that Tura Magic's Millicent Hikuam and Beverly Uueziua of Goals & Gals have secured contracts to play football in Taiwan and the United States, respectively.
Hikuam has signed a four-year contract with Corbin Warriors, where Gladiators midfielder Annouscka Kordom is also based. Kordom is currently out of action because of an injury.
Uueziua has signed a year contract with Fu Jen Catholic University.
Both players are 20 years of age and thanked Skorpion Zinc for sponsoring the league, which keeps them active.
The second leg of the Botswana clash will take place on 12 April at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
The winner of the two matches will play South Africa in the next round in August, with the dates to be announced in due course.
The players selected for the Gladiators squad are as follows:
Goalkeepers - Mellissa Matheus and Lydia Eixas.
Defenders - Uerikondjera Kasaona, Lina Katuta, Ester Hamukwaya, Julia Rutjindo, Eddelsisingh Naris (vice-captain), Lorraine Jossop, Veweziwa Kotjipati and Lovisa Mulunga.
Midfielders - Twelikondjela Amukoto, Asteria Angula, Julia Blou, Millicent Hikuam, Beverly Uueziua and Memory Ngonda.
Strikers - Zenatha Coleman (captain), Kylie van Wyk, Thomalina Adams and Anna-Marie Shikusho.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
The Gladiators will leave the country today for Botswana, where they will be joined by Spain-based Zenatha Coleman and German-based Veweziwa Kotjipati.
Sports minister Erastus Uutoni urged the Gladiators to play as a unit and maintain discipline at all times.
“Don't go show off, but play for the team as the purpose is to qualify. Play to promote and brand your country,” he said.
Uutoni emphasised that sport has the means to change one's life, as it is powerful.
“Jamaica is known all over the world because of their athletes. You are good players, but whatever you do, don't hold the ball too long and let the ball move forward,” he advised the players.
Uutoni emphasised that the ministry doesn't have money, but they will make do with what they have to promote the country's athletes.
He also encouraged the NFA Women's Desk to continue grooming young players in order to develop the game further.
The Women's Desk announced that Tura Magic's Millicent Hikuam and Beverly Uueziua of Goals & Gals have secured contracts to play football in Taiwan and the United States, respectively.
Hikuam has signed a four-year contract with Corbin Warriors, where Gladiators midfielder Annouscka Kordom is also based. Kordom is currently out of action because of an injury.
Uueziua has signed a year contract with Fu Jen Catholic University.
Both players are 20 years of age and thanked Skorpion Zinc for sponsoring the league, which keeps them active.
The second leg of the Botswana clash will take place on 12 April at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
The winner of the two matches will play South Africa in the next round in August, with the dates to be announced in due course.
The players selected for the Gladiators squad are as follows:
Goalkeepers - Mellissa Matheus and Lydia Eixas.
Defenders - Uerikondjera Kasaona, Lina Katuta, Ester Hamukwaya, Julia Rutjindo, Eddelsisingh Naris (vice-captain), Lorraine Jossop, Veweziwa Kotjipati and Lovisa Mulunga.
Midfielders - Twelikondjela Amukoto, Asteria Angula, Julia Blou, Millicent Hikuam, Beverly Uueziua and Memory Ngonda.
Strikers - Zenatha Coleman (captain), Kylie van Wyk, Thomalina Adams and Anna-Marie Shikusho.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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