FNB Women’s Super League champions,Beauties FC is set to open their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign against Zambian side, Zesco Ndola Girls on 22 August at 12:00 at the UJ AW Muller Stadium in Johannesburg.
The Okahandja outfits are making a debut at the women’s regional showpiece which serves as a qualifier for the CAF Women’s Champions League. Drawn against reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, Ntopwa FC from Malawi and Zesco Ndola Girls of Zambia in Group D, Beauties is hoping that a blend of experenice and youth will see them through to the next stage of the tournament.
Speaking to COSAFA Media, Beauties owner and co-coach, Salome Iiyambo spoke on her teams’ chances against more experenced opponents
“It’s more than just a draw; it’s a real test of our strength, our character, and our. ambition,” Iiyambo said. “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.”
Iiyambo says her squad is a good mix of younger and more experienced players.
“COSAFA allows us to bring 21 players, and in our squad we have both youth and experience,” she says. “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.”
Interim Head Coach, Leonard Nambandi echoed the same sentiments
“We are drawn in a difficult group but we have done well in terms of preparation for tomorrow’s match, we will go out gun 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 semi-finals are set for August 29, pitting the Group B winner against the Group C winner at midday, before Group A’s winner meets the best runner-up later thatafternoon. The final, on August 31, will be the ultimate test – a single game to determine COSAFA’s representative at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
Beauties FC Fixtures
22/08, 12h00: Beauties FC vs Zesco Ndola Girls FC
24/08, 12h00: Ntopwa FC vs Beauties FC
26/08, 15h00: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies vs Beauties FC