Namibia/Botswana: Gladiators to Play South Africa, Botswana

14 March 2011

The Brave Gladiators will play international friendlies against South Africa and Botswana this month as they prepare for next month’s crucial London 2012 Olympic Games qualifier in Nigeria in early April.

According to the national women’s soccer team coach Jacqui Shipanga, there is change in the programme as South Africa came through recently with a request for a friendly game and it was agreed that Namibia will play Banyana Banyana on March 19 at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley before they face Botswana on March 26 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek. Both Namibia and SA will use the match to prepare for the their respective Olympic campaigns. The Gladiators visit Nigeria while South Africa take on Tunisia away on April 2. The return legs will be played after two weeks.

“We initially had Botswana lined up for a friendly on March 19, but South Africa came into the picture and for us it was a great chance as it means two good games for us”, Shipanga said of the new developments.

She added that the two matches presented her charges with much needed “tough” opposition.

“South Africa have always been our rivals in the region and for Botswana, they have improved so much, and they are not push-overs anymore and it will be a stern challenge for our ladies as well”.

Here is the full squad of Gladiators in camp:

Goalkeepers – Sussana Eises, Merriam Swartbooi, Novata Paulus and Rejoice Tjiterua; Defenders – Stacey Naris, Albertha Dawes, Stefany Hummel, Queen Manga, Mariana Gaebutsi, Vewe Kotjipati, Rejoice Kasaona, and Mangulukeni Hamata; Midfielders-Stefanie Cloete, Marele Polster, Zenatha Coleman, Tomalina Adams, Magrieta Vries, Lovisa Mulunga, Ndapewa Lina Ituta and Yvonne Skrywer; Strikers- Juliana Skrywer, Emmerencia Fredericks, Toshi Haufiku , and Salome Iiyambo.

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