The inauguration of Dr Hage Geingob as the 3rd President of the Republic of Namibia and the country's 25th Jubillee Anniversary celebrations were sealed with a 6-2 win by the Namibia women’s team against Swaziland at the Independence Stadium. The inauguration was conducted under a cloud of rain, which gave way to sunshine when the two teams came out for their warm up.
Thomalina Adams tormented the Sethebe defence with her quick movement down the right wing, and was successfully rewarded for her good play when left winger Julia Skrwey caused confusion in the Swazi defence in the 11th minute of the first half to cause an own goal.
Skrywer was at the centre of it all again in the 16th minute when she headed home a corner taken by Zenatha Coleman. The second goal spurred the Sithebe to react with a counter attack move, Nontokozo Mdluli volleying a shot from 30 yards that caught Agnes Kauzuu in the Brave Gladiators goal flat-footed to half the deficit. This did not stop the Gladiators as Anna Shikusho headed another goal from a corner, meaning it was 3-1 at the interval.
Thomalina Adams tormented the Sethebe defence with her quick movement down the right wing, and was successfully rewarded for her good play when left winger Julia Skrwey caused confusion in the Swazi defence in the 11th minute of the first half to cause an own goal.
Skrywer was at the centre of it all again in the 16th minute when she headed home a corner taken by Zenatha Coleman. The second goal spurred the Sithebe to react with a counter attack move, Nontokozo Mdluli volleying a shot from 30 yards that caught Agnes Kauzuu in the Brave Gladiators goal flat-footed to half the deficit. This did not stop the Gladiators as Anna Shikusho headed another goal from a corner, meaning it was 3-1 at the interval.
The hosts began the second half as they had ended the first. In the 48th minute Shikusho's volleyed effort was deflected to give the hosts a fourth goal. The Gladiators increased their pressure and it was Memory Ngandu who pounced on a hesitant Sethebe defence to score their fifth. But the visitors replied with their second goal shortly after. The Gladiators continued to apply pressure, and were rewarded with a sixth goal three minutes from time.
“I see women's football in Namibia as an agent of change.”
Jacky Shipanga, Coach of the Namibia women's side.
"Dr Hage Geingob sees this as an opportunity for the nation to help change perceptions among the boys, and that men acknowledge the contribution made by the girls and women," Namibia's coach Jacky Shipanga said. "I see women's football in Namibia as an agent of change not only on the playing field but also following on the success of the African Women's Championship."
Namibia Football Association (NFA) Women Desk Manager and former NFA Executive member Jacky Gertze feels that 2015 is an opportunity to showcase women's football in the country, due to the hype created by the team at the CAF African Women's Championship which attracted huge crowds during the two week competition.
"I believe Dr Hage Geingob fell in love with the women's team, as the girls showed character and the fighting spirit associated with our struggle," Gertze said. "In fact our win puts the icing on the cake of our 25th Jubilee celebrations. And also a reminder that when the team plays, the whole family comes out to cheer them, thus creating a very good family atmosphere. This should be seen as an opportunity for the economic advancement of women in the game and also this is also a culmination of the 2006 FIFA Road Map for women's football. The next level starts now."
Helge Schultz, a photojournalist who has covered women's football for most of her career felt that the result shows that women's football in the country has come of age, and that the side is a force to be reckoned with.
"Compliments must go to the two Jackys [Shipanga and Gertze], as they have build a solid administration for women's football," Schultz said. "The introduction of the 'Galz and Goals' programme at regional level has provided an opportunity for talent identification around the country. But also because of this, there is a change of perception among the people and boys in particular that girls can also be successful in the game of football."
“I see women's football in Namibia as an agent of change.”
Jacky Shipanga, Coach of the Namibia women's side.
"Dr Hage Geingob sees this as an opportunity for the nation to help change perceptions among the boys, and that men acknowledge the contribution made by the girls and women," Namibia's coach Jacky Shipanga said. "I see women's football in Namibia as an agent of change not only on the playing field but also following on the success of the African Women's Championship."
Namibia Football Association (NFA) Women Desk Manager and former NFA Executive member Jacky Gertze feels that 2015 is an opportunity to showcase women's football in the country, due to the hype created by the team at the CAF African Women's Championship which attracted huge crowds during the two week competition.
"I believe Dr Hage Geingob fell in love with the women's team, as the girls showed character and the fighting spirit associated with our struggle," Gertze said. "In fact our win puts the icing on the cake of our 25th Jubilee celebrations. And also a reminder that when the team plays, the whole family comes out to cheer them, thus creating a very good family atmosphere. This should be seen as an opportunity for the economic advancement of women in the game and also this is also a culmination of the 2006 FIFA Road Map for women's football. The next level starts now."
Helge Schultz, a photojournalist who has covered women's football for most of her career felt that the result shows that women's football in the country has come of age, and that the side is a force to be reckoned with.
"Compliments must go to the two Jackys [Shipanga and Gertze], as they have build a solid administration for women's football," Schultz said. "The introduction of the 'Galz and Goals' programme at regional level has provided an opportunity for talent identification around the country. But also because of this, there is a change of perception among the people and boys in particular that girls can also be successful in the game of football."
By: FIFA.com
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