Bravery Kabula

When the tempo of a match begins to rise and the noise around the pitch grows louder, Emma Naris settles into her position with quiet certainty. 

Whether deployed at centre back or in midfield, she organises those around her, anticipates danger before it unfolds and communicates with calm authority. 

There is no rush in her movements, only awareness and control. It is a style that reflects not only her approach to football, but her personality, measured, deliberate and disciplined.

For Naris, representing Ongos Ladies and Brave Gladiators is among the highest honours of her career. “Playing for the Gladiators is an honour. Not every player experience this and for that I am always grateful,” she said. 

Wearing national colours carries responsibility, and she embraces it fully. The expectations are demanding, but they have shaped her into a more disciplined athlete and individual.

“The expectations are high and it has helped me become disciplined. A lot of young girls look up to us, and I try as much as possible to act like a role model in and outside the pitch,” she explained.

Her biggest dream remains clear: to help Namibia qualify for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and, ultimately, the Fifa Women’s World Cup. 

“My one goal is to qualify for WAFCON and possibly the World Cup. This is a lifelong dream, but we always fall short in the final qualifying round,” she said. She also has a simple request for supporters. “For the fans to support us,” she added.

Away from the national stage, Naris balances football with motherhood, a responsibility she carries with pride. “I am a footballer during weekends and a full-time mom to two beautiful girls,” she said.  Her daughters, Marsha and Azania, are the centre of her world and greatest source of motivation. Motherhood has reshaped her priorities and strengthened her time management skills. Every training session, every match and every commitment is carefully planned to ensure she remains present both at home and on the field.

Born on 8 November 1996 in Windhoek, Naris grew up in Damara Location alongside her two brothers and sister. Life in the neighbourhood required toughness from a young age. 

Her family played a defining role in shaping her character, and the loss of her sister in 2014 left a lasting mark. The tragedy altered her perspective on time and opportunity, reinforcing her determination to make the most of every chance.

Football became her refuge. Her journey began with The Little Pumpkins at the BNC, coached by Mary-Beth Gallagher. What started as a recreational activity gradually developed into serious commitment. Training sessions became routine, and her love for the game deepened with each passing year.

From the moment she chose to pursue football seriously, her family stood firmly behind her. “I cannot imagine what my life would have been without them,” she said, referring to the unwavering support from her mother and brothers. That foundation made it possible to continue chasing her dreams even as responsibilities increased.

Now playing for FC Ongos Ladies, Naris has established herself as a dependable and intelligent presence within the squad. At 1.56 metres tall, she understands opponents sometimes underestimate her before the match begins. Those assumptions rarely last long.

“I am the literal definition of ‘do not judge a book by its cover,” she said with confidence.

Her game is built less on physical dominance and more on reading play, positioning and communication. She describes herself as calm, composed and observant. Leadership, in her view, is not about shouting instructions but about guiding through example and constant communication. She makes it a point to encourage teammates, offer advice and provide reassurance whenever needed.

“To be a good teammate means helping others improve. It’s about sharing experience and supporting each other,” she said

Preparation is intentional yet uncomplicated. Before important matches, she listens to music, often older classics and spends time in conversation with her close friend Lydiana Nanamus. 

These rituals help her settle her thoughts and focus on the task ahead. When pressure builds during a match, she reminds herself to remain calm and concentrate on what she can control.

Injuries have tested her calmness. Her most recent setback required both mental and physical resilience. Returning to full fitness was not immediate; progress came gradually and demanded patience.

“Returning from injury required both mental and physical effort. I had to mentally and physically work hard to be able to come back,” she explains.

The recovery process reinforced her belief in discipline: the value that underpins every aspect of her life. Off the pitch, she follows a structured programme to balance work, football and motherhood. Tasks are planned in advance to prevent overlap and reduce unnecessary stress. Time management, she emphasises, is not optional but essential.

Criticism, whether from coaches, teammates or the public, is something she has learned to manage with maturity. She filters out negativity and focuses on constructive feedback. Growth, she believes, comes from discipline and consistency rather than distraction.

Her objective for the current domestic season is equally focused: to feature in more matches and help FC Ongos Ladies reclaim the FNB Women’s Super League title. Success, for Naris, is collective rather than individual.

Guided by her personal philosophy, she said, “live your life the way you want.” She makes deliberate choices and stands firmly by them. It is a mindset she hopes young Namibians will adopt. 

Her advice to aspiring footballers is straightforward. “Never give up on your dreams,” she concludes. 

-mathebravery@gmail.com