Young Gladiators to face in-form South Africa

12 December 2016 – The Young Gladiators will face South Africa on Monday at the bi-annual African Union Sport Council Region Five Under-20 Games underway in Luanda, Angola.

In their opening game, the team beat Zimbabwe 2-0 courtesy of goals by Memory Ngonda and Millicent Hikuam on Saturday, while South Africa dismantled Angola, in a one sided match, which saw South Africa win 7-0.

According to coach Bryan van Staden, the ladies gave a good account of themselves following a not so smooth way to the tournament.

“We didn’t have a very good welcome and also a good game but I’m satisfied with the chances we created and the win means a lot to the team. The confidence of the ladies will be pumped up going into the next game on Monday,” Van Staden said.

“ It’s round robin and we need to get the goals to win matches. It will be tough encounter against South Africa because they have a lot of quality in their team but our girls are fired up and know what to do on the day. It will be interesting indeed,” explained van Staden.

Meanwhile, Namibian, goalkeeper Mellissa Matheus won the Lady of the Match award thanks to her goalkeeping heroics on the day.

“ It was one of those days were I could see the balls coming and had I was on my best. I hope it will continue on Monday and keep the South Africans out. I dedicate my award to coach Heribert Kapeng for having worked with me for over two years now. We are a great team,” Matheus said.

The Young Gladiators forms part of Team Namibia at the Games will take on host Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the round robin basis as there are only four team. The team with the most points will win the ladies football section of the Games.

The Young Gladiators vs Zimbabwe: Mellissa Matheus ,Sharon Pieters, Asteria Angula, Julia Rutjindo, Memory Ngonda, Burnie Dennis, Millicent Hikuam, Kylie van Wyk, Kamunikire Tjituka and Beverly Uueziua and Lydiana Nanamus (captain).