Namibia defender Vewe Kotjipati not fazed by busy schedule

Namibia failed to qualify for the last edition of the WAFCON after a 1-1 draw to Zambia, with the Copper Queens winning on the away-goals rule. 

Kotjipati says they are delighted to be playing for the national team again, with a the two legs against Gambia scheduled for Thursday, 21 and Sunday, 24 September 2023.

"Currently we are happy that football is back since last year. The absence of football in Namibia created a big loophole and left a lot of talents with less hope. A lot has been happening since, but it’s not yet optimal," Kotjipati said.

Namibia will also compete in the COSAFA Women’s Championship with their first game against Botswana on 6 October. 

The Brave Gladiators were edged out by Banyana Banyana in last year’s edition, and Kotjipati hopes they will perform better this year.

"Last year we went to the Semi-final and this year, our target is to pass our last achievement," she added.

Namibia will then shift focus to their two-legged Olympic Qualifiers against Morocco – a team that made it to the last 16 in the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. 

The defender, however, insists they are taking it one competition at a time and know how tough of an opposition Morocco is.

"At the moment, Morocco is not on our minds as we have the WAFCON Qualifiers. That’s where our focus is right now," Kotjipati noted.

"Basically, we are taking it one step at a time and going from game to game and from competition to competition. Morocco is a tough opponent and with their current World Cup exposure, one of Africa’s best teams. 

"I also think they played a great tournament and represented Africa very well. We are excited for the challenge, but we are well aware of the opponent and how good their team is."