Windhoek — The Namibian ladies TISAN football team beat Botswana 2-0 in a highly contested match at the Independence Stadium yesterday, courtesy of goals from Leandre Lucas and Limba Mupetami and were gearing up for an encounter with an unknown Zambian side at the time of going to print.

Namibia's women's soccer team has vowed to dominate this year's CUCSA edition in their discipline in the absence of powerhouse South Africa.

The hosts displayed an impressive string of performances at the previous edition, but came to a sudden halt in the final, losing 5-2 to a strong South African side.

However, the absence of the South Africans has given the ladies new hope with captain Magdalene Paulus vowing the team has not reached the glass ceiling just yet.

"We are aiming for gold and we are settling for nothing less! We have our home crowd and that itself should prove the difference and spur us on to go one better and win the gold," she was quoted as saying prior to the games last weekend.

Team coach Onward Utete reckons the girls have something to prove and are adequately prepared to deal with any situation this time around since the squad has achieved balance within the last two years.

"The majority of the team are coming back and we have some exciting new talent in our ranks. These players have showed their mettle against Germany and six play in the Gladiators side, while as a team we disciplined the Brave Gladiators 2-0. We have strength in the wings and our goalkeepers are in fine form so we'll have a show to put on," said a confident yet reserved Utete.

Gideon Shikulo, team manager was unfazed about the new opposition in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

"We are prepared for them even if they are unknown. Our home fans are our magic this time. Last time the players were devastated but this time, they are hungry."

The team boasts Esty Amukwaya, Magdalene Paulus, Queen Manga (former Gladiators captain) Effeni Velikoshi and versatile winger Ndapewa Katuta in their ranks and the camp is oozing confidence.

Another dimension is Zuleika Rutz, a new addition who has been in scintillating form, scoring 6 goals in her last 4 games, and a staggering 5 goals in her last match for the ladies.