COSAFA: Namibia women’s team rewarded handsomely

Over a week after winning their maiden COSAFA Women’s Championship title in South Africa, the party continues for the Namibia national team.

The Brave Gladiators are receiving unprecedented outpouring of emotional and financial support.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Congratulates the Brave Gladiators

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Brave Gladiators following your historic victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship in Polokwane, South Africa,… pic.twitter.com/0hXOh3maea

— Namibian Presidency (@NamPresidency) March 1, 2026

The Government of Namibia has spoiled the 23-member playing squad with a reward of USD 30,199 (N$500,000) with each player receiving USD 1, 313 (Namibia Dollar|N$ 21,739.13)

Each coaching panel member, save for head coach Lesley Kavuka, has pocketed USD 1,510 (N$ 25,000).

How much has each player pocketed?

The coaching panel comprised an assistant coach, fitness coach and team doctor making it a total of not less than USD4, 530 while Kavuka has received a package of USD 3,020 (N$ 50,000) for winning the championship.

Overall, the Brave Gladiators have received USD37,749 from the Namibian government.

Speaking when she presented the cash to the triumphant team recently, Hon Sanet Steenkamp, Namibia’s Minister of Ministry of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts & Culture, applauded the Brave Gladiators for the historic performance at the COSAFA Women’s Championship.

“Your victory is a triumph for Namibian football and a powerful sign of the growing strength of women’s sport in our country,” she said as quoted by Namibia Football Association media.

“You have inspired young girls across Namibia to believe that with dedication, discipline and teamwork, anything is possible.”

Who else has rewarded the Brave Gladiators?

Additionally, Namibia Telecoms have also spoiled the team with a token of appreciation amounting to USD18, 120 (N$ 300,000.00). There are no details yet of how the money was disbursed.

The financial support comes in recognition of Namibia team’s excellent performance that culminated in a 2-1 victory over Banyana Banyana at New Peter Mokaba Stadium to lift the championship in Polokwane on March 1.

COSAFA: Brave Gladiators Receive Major Rewards After Historic Championship Victory

More than a week after lifting their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Championship trophy in South Africa, celebrations are still ongoing for the Brave Gladiators following their remarkable achievement.

The women’s national team produced one of the most memorable moments in the country’s football history by defeating hosts South Africa in the final of the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship. The match, played at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on March 1, ended with a 2-1 victory that secured the historic title.

The triumph has been widely celebrated across the country, with government officials, corporate organizations and football supporters praising the team’s determination and impressive performance throughout the tournament.

Government Recognizes the Team’s Achievement

In recognition of their outstanding accomplishment, the national government rewarded the 23 players who were part of the championship-winning squad with a total cash reward of USD 30,199 (N$500,000). Each player received approximately USD 1,313 (N$21,739.13) as part of the reward.

Members of the technical team were also acknowledged for their role in guiding the squad to victory. The coaching staff, which includes the assistant coach, fitness coach and team doctor, each received USD 1,510 (N$25,000).

Head coach Lesley Kavuka, who led the team throughout the tournament and played a key role in preparing the squad for the final, received a reward package of USD 3,020 (N$50,000).

Altogether, the financial rewards presented by the government amounted to approximately USD 37,749.

Minister Praises the Historic Success

While presenting the rewards to the victorious players, the country’s Minister of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture, Honorable Sanet Steenkamp, praised the Brave Gladiators for their remarkable performance in the regional competition.

According to the minister, the championship victory represents a proud moment for the nation and highlights the growing development of women’s sport.

“Your victory is a triumph for our football and a powerful sign of the growing strength of women’s sport in our country,” Steenkamp said, as quoted by the national football association.

She further emphasized that the team’s success will serve as motivation for many young girls who aspire to pursue careers in football and other sports.

“You have inspired young girls across the country to believe that with dedication, discipline and teamwork, anything is possible,” she added.

Corporate Support Adds to Celebrations

Apart from the government’s financial rewards, corporate institutions have also stepped forward to celebrate the Brave Gladiators’ achievement.

Telecom Namibia presented the team with an additional reward of USD 18,120 (N$300,000) as a gesture of appreciation for the historic title win.

Although the company has confirmed the reward, details regarding how the funds will be distributed among players and technical staff have not yet been publicly disclosed.

The support from both government and corporate partners reflects the increasing recognition of women’s football and the importance of investing in its development.

A Landmark Moment for Women’s Football

The victory at the COSAFA Women’s Championship is widely regarded as a turning point for women’s football in the country. Defeating a strong South African side in the final demonstrated the team’s progress and competitiveness at regional level.

The Brave Gladiators showed discipline, teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament, qualities that ultimately helped them secure the title.

For the players, the recognition and financial rewards represent appreciation for their hard work and dedication. At the same time, the achievement is expected to inspire future generations of female athletes.

As celebrations continue, the historic triumph will remain a significant milestone for women’s football and a moment of pride for supporters across the nation.