Mayor Larandja Champions Youth and Gender Empowerment at COSAFA U17 Girls’ Football Kickoff. Mayor of Windhoek, Her Worship Ndeshihafela Larandja, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to youth and gender empowerment on Saturday as she attended the opening ceremony of the COSAFA Under-17 Girls’ Football Championship. The event was held at the Dr. Hage Geingob Stadium and marked the start of a week-long celebration of young female football talent in Southern Africa.
Invited by the Namibia Football Association (NFA) President and Executive Council, on behalf of COSAFA President Mr. Said Ali Athouman, Mayor Larandja was warmly welcomed as a special guest at the opening event. She took time to greet players on the pitch, engaging with teams and showing visible support for the growing role of girls in sport.
“This tournament is not only about football, it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring confidence in our young girls,” Larandja said during her address. Her presence underscored Windhoek’s broader goals to support youth-led development initiatives and inclusive sports programming.
The COSAFA U17 Girls’ Championship provides a vital platform for aspiring female athletes across the region, highlighting the importance of access, participation, and mentorship in sports. The tournament is set to culminate in a grand finale on Saturday, 17 May 2025, at the same venue.