Coleman strikes twice in win over Eswatini

In a match played for little more than national pride between two sides already eliminated, Namibia’s Brave Gladiators ensured that they finish second in Group A at the 2024 Cosafa Senior Women’s Championship in Gqeberha.

Team captain Zenatha Coleman struck both goals in the 2-0 win over Eswatini at the Wolfson Stadium.

VAR technology confirmed the decision that Coleman’s second strike with a left-footed volley was indeed a goal, which aided her claim to be named player of the match for a second consecutive time (also against Seychelles on Friday).

However, it had already been determined that South Africa would win the group and progress to the semi-final, while the other three teams are eliminated. The host nation’s Banyana Banyana ran out 8-1 winners against Seychelles at the Madibaz Stadium yesterday.

Namibia’s fate was taken out of their hands when they lost 0-1 to South Africa last week, with a late second-half winner (substitute Tshogofatso Motlogelwa, 83rd minute).

Namibia coach Woody Jacobs said post-match: “We controlled the match from start to finish. It was a good performance by the girls. We were up against some resolute Eswatini defence, because they really did not want to lose this match.

“We had one or two nervy moments, but I always knew with the quality we possess we should start becoming the powerful team we are capable of. Senior members of this team won’t be able to play forever, they are moving into different directions in football and in life.”

Jacobs repeated his plea for more exposure for the Brave Gladiators.

“Hopefully at next year’s Women’s Afcon qualifiers we can pull through to show the African continent what we can do. Our first match here against South Africa was a watershed game which could have swung either way.

“Credit to South Africa, whose first team is currently competing in Europe and still they are able to put out a side of this quality. I believe Namibia is equally capable, but we should allow our girls to play more regularly in these type of competitions.

“I am suggesting to my fellow national coaches that the 14 nations in Cosafa should compete on a league basis. My experience as a coach has taught me that you only improve when playing often and getting quality game time. You cannot just come to the Cosafa championship, play two or three matches and develop into a formidable side like South Africa.”