Young Gladiators beats Zimbabwe

Young Gladiators beats Zimbabwe Team prepares for SA Memory Ngonda and Millicent Hikuam on Saturday scored the only goals of the game against Zimbabwe. The Young Gladiators got off to a great start at the bi-annual African Union Sport Council Region with Five Under-20 Games underway in Luanda, Angola when they defeated Zimbabwe 2-0.

According to Coach Bryan van Staden, the ladies gave a good account of themselves following a not so smooth way to the tournament.

“We didn’t have a very good welcome and also a good game, but I’m satisfied with the chances we created and the win means a lot to the team. The confidence of the ladies will be pumped up going into the next game on Monday” Van Staden says.

The Young Gladiators will take on South Africa next on Monday. South Africa trounced Angola 7-0 on Saturday as well.

“It is a round robin and we need to get the goals to win matches. It will be tough encounter against South Africa, because they have a lot of quality in their team, but our girls are fired up and know what to do on the day. It will be interesting indeed”, Van Staden said.

Namibian goalkeeper Mellissa Matheus won the Lady of the Match award, thanks to her goalkeeping heroics on the day.

“It was one of those days were I could see the balls coming and I was at my best. I hope it will continue on Monday and keep the South Africans out. I dedicate my award to coach Heribert Kapeng for having worked with me for over two years now. We are a great team”, Matheus said.

The Young Gladiators forming part of Team Namibia at the Games will take on host Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the round robin, as there are only four teams. The team with the most points will win the ladies football section of the Games.

The Young Gladiators squad vs Zimbabwe:

Mellissa Matheus ,Sharon Pieters, Asteria Angula, Julia Rutjindo, Memory Ngonda, Burnie Dennis, Millicent Hikuam, Kylie van Wyk, Kamunikire Tjituka and Beverly Uueziua and Lydiana Nanamus (captain).

Sports Reporter