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‘You are the best Namibia has to offer’ - Steenkamp

• 22 Hours Ago

Sports minister Sanet Steenkamp has endorsed the Brave 5 Gladiators, urging them to be unapologetically authentic and establish themselves among the best.

She made the remarks yesterday at the send-off of the country’s women’s futsal national team in Windhoek. The Brave 5 Gladiators are set to make their international debut at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Futsal Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from 22 to 30 April in Rabat, Morocco.

The team was invited to the inaugural tournament alongside eight other nations after the Brave 5 men’s futsal team debuted at the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations last year in Morocco.

Fixtures

According to CAF’s website, Namibia is placed in Group A with Morocco and Cameroon. Group B consists of Angola, Egypt and Guinea, while Group C features Madagascar, Tanzania and Senegal.

Namibia’s first match will be against hosts Morocco at 20:00 on 22 April, followed by their second match against Cameroon at 20:00 on 26 April.

“The teams finishing top of their group, as well as the best second-placed team, will qualify for the semifinals,” the website stated.

The tournament serves as a qualifier, with the two finalists advancing to the first FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, which will be held in the Philippines from 21 November to 7 December.

Speaking at the send-off event, where the team was awarded their national colours by the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC), Steenkamp urged the players to be proud ambassadors of the nation.

“Be proud of your heritage, culture and language. You are the best that Namibia has to offer,” she said.

‘Strict self-discipline’

Expressing her delight and honour to be in the team’s presence, she highlighted that the players were chosen to represent the country because of their distinctive talent.

“[Even though your talent] is amazing, you must set yourself apart from others through strict self-discipline. You have come this far because you have pushed yourself with sheer tenacity, perseverance and an unwillingness to give up.

“For that, I put a feather in your cap. You will now represent yourself, your family, your neighbours, your community and ultimately, the nation. Go out there and make us proud,” she advised.

Inspiring the girl-child

Deputy minister Dino Ballotti assured the players that the whole nation is rallying behind them.

“When you go out there wearing the national team jersey, remember that you are representing all three million Namibians who are supporting you. Don’t take this immense honour for granted,” he said.

He further added: “The girl-child will look up to each of you, and our hope is that this will inspire hundreds, eventually thousands, of young women to take up futsal.”

Preparatory matches

Team coach Donawald Modise said the team has two preparatory friendlies lined up.

“We will play two friendly matches, but we are yet to confirm our opponents. The first will be on 12 April, and the second on 18 April in Casablanca,” he said.

Regarding preparations, Modise said he is pleased with the team’s progress.

“The preparation [thus far] has been very positive. I’m happy with the ladies. They have adapted well to the new futsal tactics, as they are transitioning from 11-a-side football, which is quite different and more physically demanding.”

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