Gladiators set for WAFCON battle

Brave Gladiators head coach Woody Jacobs has set his sights on clearing the first hurdle in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers, as his team prepares for their opening two matches this month.



Namibia’s senior women’s national team will take on Eswatini in the first leg at Somhlolo National Stadium on 21 February at 13:00, before the return fixture at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg on 26 February at 15:00.



Jacobs announced his final 21-player squad for the crucial encounters yesterday, expressing confidence in his team’s preparation and fitness levels.

“We intend to go all out in this round. The team is well prepared and in high spirits. The players are above bar in terms of fitness levels because they have been playing in the FNB Women Super League. No major injuries have been reported, but we will have to do without Zenatha Coleman, Vewe Kotjipati, and Twelikondjela Amukuto. However, the technical team and I are confident in the capabilities of the remaining players, especially the more senior ones and the experience they bring come match day,” Jacobs stated.

Brave Gladiators 21-Player Squad

Goalkeepers:

Gwenneth Joyce Narises (WHK City FC)

Melissa Matheus (Beauties FC)

Sarafina Nonny #Khuruses (Namib Daughters)



Defenders:



Utuzuvira Kahiriri (Beauties FC)

Lydiana Ottonika Nanamus (Ongos Ladies)

Iina Indapewa Katuta (Khomas Nampol)

Lovisa Tuyakula Mulunga (Ongos Ladies)

Julia Usuta Rutjindo (Ongos Ladies)

Aune Ndakomesho Andreas (African Stars)

Tjingaete Vujakura (Julinho Athletic)



Midfielders:

Beverly Uuezua (Julinho Athletic)

Anna-Ida Heidi Somses (African Stars)

Shanice Blanche Daries (Julinho Athletic)

Hilma Kanyama (African Stars)

Memory Ngonda (Ongos Ladies)

Nancy Biopelo Lebang (V-Power Angels)

Milicent Felicity Hikuam (Beauties FC)

Forwards:



Asteria Onesmushi Angula (Julinho Athletic)

Ivonne Kooper (Ongos Ladies)

Fiola Vliete (Beauties FC)

Juliana Blou (Julinho Athletic)

With a mix of experience and youthful talent, the Brave Gladiators will look to make a strong start to their WAFCON qualifying campaign and secure their place in the next round.