COSAFA Women’s Championship: Namibia President salutes Brave Gladiators

Namibia President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted the country’s senior women’s team delegation on Monday in recognition of their achievement in winning the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship.

The Brave Gladiators dug deep to come from behind and beat hosts South Africa 2-1 in extra-time at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.

🥹𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡!👏

Her Excellency President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah personally called Brave Gladiators captain, Lovisa Mulunga, to congratulate the team on their historic achievement.#NamibiaPresident pic.twitter.com/XKxPMJykeH

— 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐚 🇳🇦 (@FootyNamibia) March 2, 2026

To show appreciation for the team’s first COSAFA Women’s Championship title, the Namibia leader hosted the team at the State House in Windhoek.

In her address, Nandi-Ndaitwah described the Brave Gladiators’ triumph as a defining moment in the nation’s sporting journey.

What Namibia President told the Brave Gladiators

She, therefore, commended the team’s players, coaches and the Namibia Football Association (NFA) for their commitment to the cause of the team.

She noted that the team’s performance demonstrated the resilience, determination and capability of Namibian athletes, while also serving as a source of inspiration and national pride.

A statement from NFA says the president pledged more investment in women’s football.

“’The President further highlighted the significance of the team’s historic victory over Zambia earlier in the tournament, describing it as a milestone that reflects the steady progress of Namibian football and the growing competitiveness of the country’s sporting sector,” reads the statement.

How Namibia stunned South Africa to win

“Reaffirming Government’s commitment to the advancement of sport, she emphasised the importance of sustained investment in youth development, training opportunities and modern sporting infrastructure. Such efforts, she said, are essential to nurturing talent, strengthening national unity and ensuring that Namibia continues to excel on regional and international stages.

“The ceremony concluded with expressions of appreciation to the team for representing the nation with honour and distinction. Their achievement stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through dedication, teamwork and belief, and marks a proud chapter in Namibia’s sporting history.”

During the action-filled final, Nthabiseng Majiya had put Banyana Banyana ahead with a first-half strike at New Peter Mokaba Stadium Stadium only for Muhinatjo Havani to level matters after the break and substitute Memory Ngonda grabbed the winner in first-half extra-time.