Gladiators faced with a mammoth task
Olympic qualifier against Morocco
Despite facing terrible rainy weather in Marrakesh, the Brave Gladiators are looking forward to the much anticipated Olympic qualifier match at the Grand Stadium in Marrakesh.
The Brave Gladiators of Namibia have a date with Morocco in Marrakesh tonight at 19:00 in the second round of the African qualifiers for the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.Both sides are in pursuit of their first Olympic qualification. Namibia will be boosted by their talismanic forward Zenatha Coleman’s arrival.
Morocco, fresh from an impressive Women’s World Cup debut, is filled with new-found confidence following a successful run at the global stage and on home soil will be favoured over their opponents.
Gladiators head coach Paulus Shipanga said it has been three good days of a competitive training camp in Marrakesh, with a great display of skill and dedication from the players.
Shipanga added that through the recent Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa, they managed to tick off areas of improvement. The Gladiators drew 1-1 against Botswana, but lost to Zimbabwe (0-2) and then won 2-0 against Lesotho.
“The tournament in Gauteng was a great preparation and we are happy with what we are seeing so far.
“One of the challenges for the players is the weather here. The first day it was raining and our training had to be cancelled, but we have prepared the team mentally.
“The match will be at night and we are not really used to playing at that time of day, but we need to be ready for anything.”
Shipanga emphasized that the team is in good spirits, highly motivated and looking forward to the match.
World Cup winner
He further spoke about the experience and quality the Moroccans possess, as they are guided by 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning former Spain coach Jorge Vilda.
The 42-year-old was sacked amid the fall-out after former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy ceremony in Australia.
Vilda was a controversial figure, with a number of Spain players refusing to be part of the World Cup squad under his management, and he was criticised for applauding Rubiales when he tried to defend himself before eventually resigning.
“(Vilda’s involvement) is a motivation for them, but it also provides confidence and motivation for us to play against the best. It’s up to the players to remember everything we have told them so far and we take it from there,” Shipanga said.
Namibia’s assistant coach Mervin Mbakera said they’ve had a glimpse of the qualifiers in SA.
“We started to prepare a bit by doing attacking and defending principles in groups. Things are looking positive. The head coach has had time with the players as well and covered the mental aspect of the players.”
Road ahead
For the Olympic Games next year, only two spots are reserved for the African continent in women’s football, and the Namibians are seeking their maiden appearance.
The winner of the second leg will play the winner between Ivory Coast and Tunisia during the third round of the qualifiers.
Namibia had eliminated Guinea in the first round in July this year, with a 2-0 win in Johannesburg and a 0-0 draw in Malabo.