Kakuva names Gladiators squad

Brave Gladiators head coach Lucky Kakuva has called up a preliminary squad of 44 players for the upcoming Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship, which will be staged in Polokwane, South Africa, from 18 February to 1 March 2026.

“Women’s football is becoming increasingly competitive in Namibia,” Kakuva said. “The squad is a combination of experienced players, a few new faces, and some standout performers from the women’s junior teams who impressed at continental tournaments last year. Training starts tomorrow morning at the NFA Technical Centre. The first few days will focus on integrating the players and introducing our playing philosophy, after which the squad will be trimmed to 23 players.”

Kakuva expressed confidence in the team’s chances at the tournament.

“Our group setting looks favourable, and we have a solid opportunity to progress from the group stages all the way to the final. Our focus is on our own performance rather than on other teams,” he added.

Namibia will open their COSAFA campaign against Mozambique on 20 February at Seshego Stadium, with kick-off at 15:00. They will conclude the group stage with a match against Madagascar three days later at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 15:00. All matches will be streamed live on FIFA+ and COSAFA TV.

Preliminary Brave Gladiators Squad (44 Players):

Goalkeepers

Mellissa Mathews – Mighty Angels FC

Feni Mwalunga – Nampol Ladies FC

Shange – African Stars Queens FC

Agnes Kauzuu – FC Ongos

Hilde Tjiueza – Windhoek City FC

Tunga Ndiweteko – Arrows Ladies FC

Defenders

Unondjamo Kaetjavi (Faith) – Mighty Angels FC

Nicole Philander – Mighty Angels FC

Utuzuvira (Mbakondja) Kahiriri – Mighty Angels FC

Kamunikire Tjituka – Mighty Angels FC

Lorraine Jossop – Mighty Angels FC

Ndapewa Ina Katuta – Nampol Ladies FC

Twelikondyela (Cassie) Amukoto – Nampol Ladies FC

Aune Andreas – African Stars Queens FC

Lydiana Nanamus – Windhoek City FC

Joy Goses – Julinho Athletic FC

Wanda Garoes – Windhoek City FC

Ana Shaende – Windhoek City FC

Veronica Van Wyk – Julinho Athletic FC

Iforsina Helao – Mighty Angels FC

Troosley Hangero – UNAM Bokkies FC

Midfielders

Lovisa Mulunga – FC Ongos

Asteria Onemusi Angula – Julinho Athletic FC

Hillary Gontes – UNAM Bokkies FC

Veripamue Kamburona – UNAM Bokkies FC

Emma Naris – FC Ongos

Memory Ngonda – FC Ongos

Millicent Hikuam – Mighty Angels FC

Vannessa Kanyama – African Stars Queens FC

Ana-Ida Somses – African Stars Queens FC

Albertina Petrus – Mighty Angels FC

Penehafo Hamwoomo – Mighty Angels FC

Michelle Auxamus – Windhoek City FC

Charlotte Richter – Windhoek City FC

Strikers

Zenatha Coleman – Dogan TB FC

Leena Alweendo – Mighty Angels FC

Muhinatjo Hanavi – UNAM Bokkies FC

Nancy Lebang – V-Power Angels FC

Ivonne Kooper – FC Ongos

Beverly Ueuzeua – Julinho Athletic FC

Juliana Blou – FC Ongos

Kaylee Van Wyk – FC Ongos

Hope Silusava – Arrows Ladies FC

Taotog Afrikaner – V-Power Angels FC