Woody Jacobs, assisted by Dinocarpio Pieters and goalkeeper coach Gift Tjivikua, will lead Namibia’s Baby Gladiators in the upcoming FIFA U/17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya.
The match is set for 12 April at the Unam Stadium in Windhoek. Jacobs said choosing a 25-player provisional squad from an initial group of 80 talented girls across Namibia has been an inspiring journey.
“We are thrilled to finally compete in front of our home supporters for the first time in six years, and the team is eager to make the nation proud. Our preparations started early to give the girls a real fighting chance against a formidable Kenyan side as we push toward the next round of the U/17 World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
Jacobs added that the squad looks strong, with experienced players such as Nancy Lebang and Tunga Ndiweteko, both of whom have featured at youth and senior levels, including the 2026 Cosafa Senior Women’s Championship, and who are leading by example.
“There is still much work ahead, but the spirit, talent and determination within this group give us great confidence,” he added.
When asked about FIFA’s directive requiring women to be part of the technical team, Jacobs said recommendations have already been made.
“Yes, we have made recommendations and are awaiting approval from our principals,” he said.
The Baby Gladiators recently completed their second training camp, trimming the squad from 82 players in February to 40 last weekend and now to a provisional squad of 25. Final preparations will begin on 2 April as Namibia gets ready to host Kenya in Windhoek.