Brave Gladiators head coach Lucky Kakuva has named a preliminary squad of 44 players for the upcoming Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship.

It is set to take place in Polokwane, South Africa, from 18 February to 1 March 2026.

Kakuva said the expanded squad reflects the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Namibia, with a blend of experienced players, new faces and standout performers from the junior national teams.

“Women’s football is becoming very competitive in Namibia. The squad is a combination of senior players, a few new faces and some players from the junior teams who performed exceptionally well at continental tournaments last year,” Kakuva said.

He added that preparations will begin today at the NFA Technical Centre, with the initial phase focused on team integration and the implementation of the technical team’s playing philosophy.

“The first few days will be about integrating the players and explaining our playing philosophy. In the coming days, the squad will be trimmed to 23 players,” he explained.

Looking ahead to the regional tournament, Kakuva expressed optimism about Namibia’s chances of progressing deep into the competition.

“Our group looks good, and we believe we have a better chance of making it out of the group stages and pushing all the way to the final. Our focus will not be on the other teams, but on what we can bring onto the field,” he said.

Namibia will open their Cosafa campaign against Mozambique on 20 February at the Seshego Stadium at 15:00, before concluding their group fixtures against Madagascar on 23 February at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, also at 15h00. 

-hnalupe@nepc.com.na