Zenatha Coleman: Photo courtesy of Zenatha Coleman.
Namibia senior women’s football team captain Zenatha Coleman is considering international football retirement after being excluded from the Brave Gladiators squad to face Eswatini in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier on Friday.
The Turkey-based forward hinted at her retirement in reaction to the final 21-member squad Namibia coach Woody Jacobs released on Monday. The 31-year-old player reacted to her exclusion from the squad by, on her Facebook page, writing “I think it's time to retire now.”
Such remarks prompted Jacobs to clarify that the Fenerbahçe S.K attacker was dropped from the team for compassionate reasons.
"Zenatha was called up but we were informed by her club that she is in Namibia for compassionate reasons, hence we didn't want to involve her in this game in consideration for her grandmother. Why would I omit her and for what reason when did I ever leave her out? Jacobs told Confidence website.
The coach confirmed to the Namibia Football Association media that Coleman will miss the away match alongside Vewe Kotjipati and Twelikondjela Amukuto.
“No major injuries have been reported but the team will have to do without Zenatha Coleman, Vewe Kotjipati, and Twelikondjela Amukuto, but the technical team and I are confident in the capabilities of the remaining players especially the more senior players, and the experience they will bring come match day,” Jacobs added.
The Gladiators coach has declared war on Eswatini, saying, “We intend to go all out in this round.”
Namibia face Eswatini away at Somhlolo National Stadium with the return scheduled for February 26 at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.
Namibia full squad:
Goalkeepers: Narises Joyce (WHK City FC), Matheus Melissa (Beauties FC), Khuruses Nonny (Namib Daughters).
Defenders: Kahiriri Utuzuvira (Beauties FC), Nanamus Ottonika (Ongos Ladies), Katuta Indapewa (Khomas Nampol), Mulunga Lovisa, Rutjindo Usuta (both Ongos Ladies), Andreas Ndakomesho (African Stars), Tjingaete Vijakura (Julinho Athletic), Uueziua Beverly (Julinho Athletic), Somses Heidi (African Stars), Daries Blanch (Julinho Athletic).
Midfielders: Kanyama Hilma (African Stars), Ngonda Memory (Ongos Ladies), Lebang Biopelo (V-Power Angels), Hikuan Milicent (Felicity Beauties FC), Angula Onesmushin (Julinho Athletic).
Strikers: Kooper Ivonne (Ongos Ladies), Vliete Fiola (Beauties FC), Blou Juliana (Julinho Athletic).
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