Brave Gladiators sharpen focus ahead of Zambia test

Namibia’s senior women’s national team, the Brave Gladiators, are stepping up preparations for their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia later this month, as they look to build on their strong showing in the previous round.



The Gladiators cruised past Eswatini with a commanding 3-0 aggregate victory in the first round of qualifiers. Fiola Vliete, Ivonne Kooper and Hilma Kanyama were on target in the away leg at Somhlolo National Stadium, securing Namibia’s place in the second round and boosting confidence ahead of the tougher challenge that lies ahead.



Since then, the squad has been in camp at the NFA Technical Centre, where training has been guided by a four-member technical team led by former coach Mervin Mbakera, supported by Harry Januarie, Rudi Louw and Hafeni Ndeitunga, under the direction of new head coach Lucky Kakuva.



Sessions have focused on physical sharpness, tactical organisation and technical drills, with the players responding positively. The atmosphere in camp has been described as motivated and united, with the team showing a clear determination to carry their momentum into the next stage.



Namibia will face Zambia away in Lusaka on 22 October before hosting the second leg on 26 October in South Africa.



Mervin Mbakera said the team is adapting well to the new coaching philosophy. “The coach has put clear objectives on how we want to play and what we must achieve during this preparation period. The girls are responding, and you can see their willingness to deliver results. Training has been intense and the balance in the squad gives us confidence to match Zambia or even go beyond them.”



African Stars Queens goalkeeper Kambo Rauha, who received her first national team call-up, expressed her excitement and belief in the squad’s readiness. “The spirit and chemistry are very good, and with the technical team guiding us, we are almost ready. It’s been an amazing experience for me, learning so much. We might not be 100 percent yet, but we are very close.”



The squad features a strong lineup across all positions, beginning with the goalkeepers: Lydia Eixas, Mellissa Mathews, Gwenneth Narises, Fenny Mwalunga, Ndevatila Kambo, and Quendra B. Kasume. The defenders include Vewe Kotjipati, Mbakondja Kahiriri, Aune Andreas, Ina Tapewa Katuta, Lydiana Nanamus, Albertina Philipus, Emma Naris, Lovisa Mulunga, and Julia Rutjindo, providing a solid backline. In midfield, the team boasts Asteria Angula, Vanessa H. Kanyama, Ana-Ida Heidi Somes, Anoushca Kordom, Twelikondjela Amukoto, Shanice Daries, Yvonne Kooper, Millicent Hikuam, Memory Ngonda, Hillary Gontes, Thomalina Adams, Nancy Lebang, Beverly Uuezjua, Leena Alweendo, and Juliana Blou, offering creativity and control in the centre of the pitch. Leading the attack are forwards Zenatha Coleman, Fiola Vliete, Hanavi Muhanjitos, Maria Kapitako, and Anna-Marie Shikusho, who bring pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability to the team.



With Zambia awaiting in the second round, the Brave Gladiators know a strong first-leg performance in Lusaka could be decisive in their bid to move one step closer to qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.