Mares coach says Namibia are underdogs
Gaolethoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutlwisang, the head coach of Botswana’s Mares, says the Brave Gladiators of Namibia will be the underdogs when the two meet in an African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifier in June.
Botswana is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to qualify for the biennial tournament, which was supposed to be held last year but was postponed due to the coronavirus. Only two matches separate the Mares from a dance in the AWCON finals.
Nkutlwisang is confident her charges will carry sufficient artillery to kick out neighbours Namibia. Botswana’s women side has grown in stature, and recently reached the finals of the Cosafa Cup while claiming the scalps of giants, South Africa and Zambia. Their progress has not gone unnoticed and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) has seemingly put the shoulder to the wheel to assist the team across the line.
In Africa, Namibia is ranked number 19 while Botswana is 21st. Asked if she is satisfied with the support from the association, the coach said they need all the backing. “So far, so good. We need everyone’s support,” she said.
But Namibia has not been resting on their laurels. They recently played Angola in two friendly matches and won both. The winner between the Mares and the Brave Gladiators faces the victor in the match featuring Gabon and the Central Africa Republic.
The ultimate winner will proceed to the finals, which Morocco hosts. A record of 36 nations out of the 54 teams on the continent, entered the qualifying round.
-www.mmegi.bw