Uakutura Kambaekua
In many areas of Namibia, women’s football often receives little attention for various reasons, despite its rapid growth and popularity among young girls, particularly those in schools across the country.
Okahandja Football Club, based in the Garden Town, is committed to breaking the barriers that hinder the development of women and girls in football.
Established in 1999, the club initially focused on men’s teams and youth divisions, including under-nines, under-10s, under-13s, under-15s, under-17s and under-20s.
Over the years, Okahandja Football Club has increasingly prioritised the promotion and development of women’s football within the town.
The men’s club has been a competitive force in the Okahandja Third Division Football League for the past four years, striving for a place in the Otjozondjupa Regional Second Division Football League.
Notably, it is the only team from Okahandja with a sister club currently competing in the First National Bank (FNB) Women’s Super League.
Club director Lee Hangula says their goal is to increase participation in women’s football and create opportunities for girls and women in areas where football is less accessible.
“In 2018, under the vision and leadership of late chairperson Julz Julia Hangula, we expanded our horizons by introducing a women’s team that is now in its third season of competition in the FNB Women’s Super League,” he said.
Hangula also highlighted the club’s commitment over the past eight years to developing and mentoring young girls aged 15 to 20, many of whom have moved on to bigger clubs, while some have received national team call-ups.
“Okahandja Football Club has nurtured young talent who have represented Namibia at the under-15, under-17 and under-20 levels, as well as the Brave Gladiators,” he added.
The senior women’s team is coached by Kenny Malgas, an experienced former player for teams such as Tigers FC, Chief Santos, Blue Waters, Blue Boys and Flamingo. He is supported by a dedicated technical team that includes Raymond Classen, Judy Classen, Jeffrey Kharigub and Ndume Flaks.
Malgas emphasised their commitment to nurturing rising stars such as Griselda Lerouine Howoses and Diamond Tamara Hangula, who are currently training with the Brave Gladiators – the senior national women’s football team.
The club has several promising players, including Andelien Alvina Harases and Camilita Tjaera, who were recently selected for the national under-20 team.
Despite being the sole representative from Otjozondjupa region in the Women’s Super League, Okahandja Football Club is struggling at the bottom of the league standings.
Hangula attributes this largely to losing talented players to other clubs with more resources. He emphasised that securing funding is essential for nurturing and developing emerging young women in football.
“There is a tremendous opportunity to promote the sport to girls and women, not only within the club, but also in the wider community,” he added, noting that the club has made significant strides in creating playing opportunities for women and young girls.
However, there remains significant potential for growth, which relies on local businesses and stakeholders stepping up to support women in achieving their goals in Namibian football.
As a non-profit organisation, Okahandja Football Club faces challenges such as inadequate transportation and accommodation for away games, a lack of proper playing and training equipment, limited facilities, and delayed player remuneration.
Hangula said with sufficient financial backing, the club could expand its women’s football programme beyond the pitch while striving to achieve its developmental goals and secure its place in the Women’s Super League.
“The club’s mission goes beyond football – it aims to create a safe space for girls, promoting education, while reducing drug abuse, alcohol consumption, teenage pregnancy and violence against women and children,” he noted. He stressed: “Football is enjoyable, enhances self-esteem and fosters new friendships.”
Hangula believes that with the right funding and sponsorship, they can intensify their focus on the growth of women’s football, ensuring a supportive environment for players and coaches, and making the club an attractive place to be.
“Our goal is to avoid relegation as the sole representative of the Otjozondjupa region and Okahandja in the Women’s Super League. We are creating a platform for young talents to be recognised by national selectors,” he stated. With adequate support, Okahandja Football Club is poised to continue its legacy as the ‘Home of Football,’ providing enhanced experiences and life opportunities for its players and technical team.
Since its inception, the club has participated in various tournaments, including a victory at the Okakarara tournament two years ago, although they endured disappointment in finals in Oshakati, Henties Bay and Otjiwarongo.
The senior team also competed in the Pstbet Namibia Football Association Cup tournament, where they initially triumphed over Omaheke Queens before being eliminated by Gals and Goals in the second round.
-Nampa