Shipanga oozing with confidence ahead of Zambia clash
The Brave Galdiators Coach, Jacqui Shipanga has never been this confident going into a qualifier and said that her squad is ready for Zambia in the 2016 CAF Women African Cup of Nations First Round First leg Qualifiers match in Lusaka at the Nkoloma Stadium this weekend.
The Brave Gladiators have been in camp for about two weeks with 27 players initially being called up, but Shipanga trimmed the team to a strong 19 player squad which travelled to Zambia on Wednesday.
“I’m very happy that we had two weeks of camp which is a great luxury for us. The Women Super League has also helped a lot and the team has also managed to play three competitive matches. I have never been this confident before a qualifier and the spirit in the camp is ever encouraging,”she said.
Shipanga added that the discipline of the players is also very high and they are raring to go. “Look it has been a while since we played a competitive international game and the ladies are ready for this game.”
“Most of the squad played against Zambia when we beat them 2-0 in the AFCON of 2014 at the Sam Nujoma stadium and they are aware that things have changed and they will handle that,”she added.
The Brave Gladiators will face a Zambian side seeking to redeem themselves after their last loss. Meanwhile the return leg is set to take place on 18 March at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
The winner between the two will face Tanzania or Zimbabwe in the second round and final round of qualification to Cameroon, 2016.
The squad that travelled to Zambia included: Goalkeepers: Agnes Kauzuu and Mellissa Matheus, Defenders: Uerikondjera Kasaona, Ndapewa Katuta, Stacey Naris , Ester Amukwaya, Lovisa Mulunga and Lorraine Jossob, Midfielders: Thomalina Adams, Emma Naris, Anouska Kordom, Juliana Skrywer, Juliana Blou, Vistorine Shangula, Memory Ngonda, Veweziwa Kotjipati,; Strikers: Zenatha Coleman, Anna Shikusho and Stella Williams.
