Erasmus Shalihaxwe
FNB Women’s Super League champions, Beauties Football Club, suffer their second defeat at the CAF Women’s Champions League in South Africa on Sunday.
South African league winners Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies defeated the Namibian champions 7–0.
This came after their opening 3–0 defeat to Zambia’s Zesco Ndola Girls Football Club. Beauties, however, managed a 3–0 victory against Malawi’s Ntopwa Football Club over the past weekend.
The Okahandja side is making its debut at the regional tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
The team is banking on a mix of youth and experienced players to advance to the next stage.
Speaking to COSAFA Media before the tournament, Beauties FC owner and co-coach Salome Iiyambo said her team was ready to face tough opponents.
“It’s more than just a draw; it’s a real test of our strength, our character, and our ambition. We respect all our opponents; they each have a rich history, but we do not fear anyone. We might be debutants and considered underdogs, but we are ready to fight. Let the battle begin,” she said.
Iiyambo said the squad blends players of different generations.
“COSAFA allows us to bring 21 players, and in our squad we have both youth and experience,” she said.
“In fact, we have one of the oldest players in the Namibian league, over 40, who brings invaluable guidance on the field. At the other end, our youngest player is just 15 years old, with two or three others in that age range. We also have a few with international experience. Overall, it’s a team full of life, ready to fight and stand together.”
Beauties FC interim head coach Leonard Nambandi, who was recently appointed to guide the team through the tournament, said the group stage was challenging but the team had prepared well.
“We are drawn in a difficult group, but we have done well in terms of preparation for tomorrow’s match. We will go out guns blazing and give Zesco Ndola Girls a tough match. We have analysed their previous matches and if we stick to the game plan, we can do well in our opening match,” he said.
The COSAFA qualifiers continue this week.
The semi-finals are scheduled for 29 August, with the Group B winner facing the Group C winner at midday. Group A’s winner will meet the best runner-up later that afternoon.
The final will be played on 31 August to determine COSAFA’s representative at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
