By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Women’s National Team Captain, Nonhle Simelane of Sitsebe, along with her Namibian counterpart, Lovisa Mulunga, has extended an invitation to supporters to attend in large numbers for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers, which will take place this afternoon at Somhlolo National Stadium.
The first leg of the match is set to kick off at 3pm, with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) offering free entry to all attendees. The second leg of the qualifiers is scheduled for next week in Dobsonville, South Africa.
The winner of this matchup will face Zambia in the subsequent preliminary round.
Nonhle Simelane emphasized the importance of the fans, referring to them as the “12th player,” stating that their support is crucial for victory. She expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to make the nation proud, with their primary focus on securing a win.
Namibia triumphed 2-0 in their previous encounter last November during the COSAFA Women’s Senior Championships held in South Africa. Currently, Namibia is ranked 122nd, while Sitsebe holds the 182nd position in the FIFA World Rankings.
“We are grateful for the ample training time we’ve received, and the spirit within the squad is exceptionally high. We eagerly anticipate the match and invite the nation to come and support us on this journey. Their encouragement will undoubtedly motivate us,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Namibia’s Captain, Lovisa Mulunga, who boasts over 60 caps, urged the people of Eswatini to attend the game in large numbers, asserting that such support is vital for the development of women’s football. She remarked on the current stage of women’s football, which necessitates substantial backing from all stakeholders.
“We are delighted to be here in Eswatini, and the hospitality has been remarkable. We hope that people will come out in droves to the stadium to witness the game, as this will significantly contribute to the advancement of women’s football,” she stated.
