Brave Gladiators Honoured After Historic COSAFA Victory

Brave Gladiators Honoured After Historic COSAFA Victory. The Brave Gladiators, Namibia’s senior women’s national football team, received a warm welcome at the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) on 05 March 2026, following their historic triumph at the COSAFA Women’s Championship. The victory marked the first time Namibia’s senior women’s side has secured the prestigious regional title.

Hon. Dr Sanet L. Steenkamp, Minister of MEIYSAC, met with the team to celebrate their achievement and formally recognise their contribution to Namibian sport. The recognition forms part of the National Sport Reward Policy, approved by Cabinet in 2018, which ensures athletes who achieve outstanding results at international competitions are rewarded.

For the 2025/26 financial year, nearly N$4 million has been allocated to reward Namibian athletes competing on the global stage. In line with this policy, the Brave Gladiators players were awarded N$500,000, while the coaching and technical team received N$150,000 in recognition of their dedication and leadership.

The Minister highlighted that the team’s success is not only a proud moment for Namibian football but also a milestone for women’s sport in the country. She noted that the victory serves as an inspiration for young girls nationwide, encouraging them to dream big and pursue excellence in sport.

Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to football development, with N$50 million allocated to the Namibia Football Association during the current financial year to support programmes and national team activities.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Minister Hon. Dino Ballotti, Executive Director for Youth, Sports and National Service Mr. Gerard N. Vries, and Director of Sport Development Ms. Jo-Ann Manuel.The Brave Gladiators’ achievement stands as a powerful reminder that discipline, teamwork, and determination can lead to greatness, while reinforcing Namibia’s growing strength in women’s sport.