29 Nov 2015

After the Zebras failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the national U17 ladies are expected to redeem the country’s pride when they meet their Namibian counterparts in a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 qualification at the National Stadium on Sunday December 7.

The Zebras young ladies have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory despite the fact that the Namibian ladies are a closed book to them.

The local lasses will depend on captain Jennifer Mokoka to stabilise the midfield while versatile keeper, Kemo Baganne and her defence made up Cassandra Zulu, Kamogelo Omphile, Game Ramokate, Tshepang Senthu and Boipelo Mpona will be expected to build a solid wall to ward off the Namibians attack.

Namibia’s defence should watch out for FC Ambassadors striker Leungo Senwelo. If left unguarded, she is capable of scoring an avalanche of goals.

Another player who can cause unrest to the visitors is Mexican Girls striker, Esalenna Galekhutlhe. Given space in the box, Nambia’s goalkeeper Batista Kasume might find it difficult to handle her.

Under17 assistant coach, Tapapiwa Gaebolae says the girls are ready and looking forward to the game.

She said the girls have pledged to represent their country well. She added that their intention is to qualify for Jordan 2016. She however decried that her team did not play any international friendly, which might work against her side.

 “These girls are still young. Perhaps for the first half, we could be hampered by stage fright,” she said.

Gaebolae said they would have to study Namibia in the first 15 minutes of the game before coming all out to score a good result.

Captain Mokoka said it is going to be difficult for their opponents to beat them in their own turf as morale is high in the camp.

She said they have been training hard and is confident that they will win the encounter.

Meanwhile, Namibia coach, Mervin Mbakera has been quoted by the New Era newspaper saying his team has had to juggle preparations with school commitments. He conceded that it will be a tough game as his charges will be playing away for the first time. He, however, said they have an obligation to do well in Botswana.

“A win will be great but we need at least a draw away from home. The girls are focused and enjoying themselves, but we have a long way to go and working very hard on that,” Mbakera is quoted saying. ENDS