Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The under-20 women’s national team is aiming to take full advantage of playing at home during this year’s COSAFA U20 Championship.
The tournament will be held in Windhoek from 4 to 13 July 2025, as part of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games.
Namibia missed out on last year’s edition in November but returns with renewed focus.
They are placed in Group A alongside Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Assistant coach Errol Damaseb said the group phase will be challenging, but the team is determined to advance.
“The group stage will not be easy, but we are determined to ensure that we make it through the group stage. The team looks good. We have a few players who played in the COSAFA U17 Girls Championship in May. They understand the pressure that comes with playing international games,” said Damaseb.
Women’s football in Namibia is growing, with more young girls playing competitively and joining national teams.
Nancy Lebang, who was the top goal scorer at the recent COSAFA U17 Girls Championship, is part of the squad.
Other notable players include Nanami Uarije, Debora Vries, Grace Eises, Joy Goses, and Renald Damara.
All five participated in the CAF U15 Schools Tournament last year in Walvis Bay and featured again in the U17 team this May.
The full squad includes: Tunga Ndiweteko, Florence Mwalundange, Unondjamo Kaetjavi, Kuhatjiua Tjapaka, Ontheeditse Tokwane, Unice Mafuta, Tuuliki Shiimi, Shiwovanhu Haukongo, Cherifa Cody Garoes, Meriam Michael, Nancy Lebang, Gudness Garises, Senoritha Aochamus, Sheida Job, Joy Goses, Nanami Uarije, Grace Eises, Renalda Hangula, Debora Vries, Lydia Simuma, and Julitta Berndt.
