By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Women’s National Football Team, Sitsebe Samhlekazi Coach Bongani Makhukhula has declared war over Namibia in the Women’s Africa Nations Cup (WAFCON) qualifiers, featuring two-legged ties of home and away fixtures.
The Manzini Wanderers Ladies Coach, Makhukhula expressed his determination to secure a positive outcome, despite suffering a 0-2 defeat to Namibia’s women’s national team, known as the Brave Gladiators, during the COSAFA Women’s Championships last year.
Makhukhula addressed the media during an open training session at the Lobamba Technical Centre on Wednesday.
He conveyed his satisfaction with the extended training camp, stating that this time they would spend at least three weeks preparing for the match, in contrast to the one week prior to the COSAFA encounter. He noted that this preparation period has provided ample time to ready the team.
“We know Namibia well, having recently competed against them in the COSAFA Cup. They are not monsters. Currently, we are assessing our strengths and weaknesses, as well as identifying potential threats, and we will proceed from there,” he said.
Makhukhula highlighted that the squad comprises a blend of experienced players and talents from the Under-20 team. He emphasised the importance of achieving results while also considering the future, hence the inclusion of young stars.
“The team is working diligently. We recognise that Namibia is ranked higher than us in the FIFA rankings, but that will bear little significance as each team will field 11 players on the pitch,” he remarked.
Namibia is ranked 127 in the FIFA rankings while Sitsebe is at 176.
Sitsebe will face Namibia on February 21, 2025, at Somhlolo National Stadium in the first leg, followed by the second leg away in South Africa at Dobsonville Stadium. The victorious team will then advance to face Zambia in late October.
