Former footballer Uerikondjera ‘Mammie’ Kasaona has been appointed as Paulus Shipanga’s assistant coach at Blue Waters, marking a significant milestone in Namibian football.
Kasaona, who recently took to social media to announce her retirement from the national team, the Brave Gladiators, will become the first woman in Namibia to hold a coaching position of this calibre in the men’s premier football league.
Kasaona, who has already made her mark in the football world, is also at the helm of the Kasaona Football Academy, which actively participates in the Hopsol League. Her academy caters to both boys and girls, with a focus on developing young football talent.
Through her leadership, the academy has contributed significantly to nurturing the next generation of football players in Namibia.
Born in Warmquelle, a remote settlement located 250 kilometres (km) from Opuwo and 25 km from Sesfontein in the Kunene region, her journey to success has been shaped by both her rural upbringing and her determination to break barriers. She is a proud holder of the CAF C-level coaching license and is currently enrolled in the CAF B license program, which further enhances her qualifications.
Her coaching experience is extensive, drawing from her years of playing football for Okahandja Beauties, NamPol FC and professionally she spent three years playing for German clubs Germania Hauenhorst FC and Welhelmsfeld, where she honed her skills and gained valuable international experience.
Her remarkable career took another turn two years ago when she was appointed interim coach of the Gladiators, where she was supported by former Brave Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs player Robert Nauseb.
Kasaona thanked the management of Blue Waters and the president of the club, as well as Jacky Shipanga for paving the way, Jacky Gertze for the constant support and Monica Shapwa for everyday motivations. “It’s a milestone as I become the first woman to become an assistant coach in the Namibian Premier League, it’s a barrier I am breaking, and I am looking forward to it and I thank Paulus for this opportunity. I am ready to learn, it’s a new adventure and I love challenges. This is nothing new to me, as I am used to coaching boys. The age group doesn’t matter, it’s about the philosophy and tactical aspect and to women out there, if you want it, and can show your capabilities you can do it,” she said.
In the context of Blue Waters, the club on Wednesday announced the appointment of Paulus. He takes over the reins after the club relieved his brother, Lucky Shipanga, and his team from their duties. Blue Waters has expressed their excitement about the appointment of the new technical staff, stressing the potential for success under their leadership. The club also highlighted that this new direction comes in response to the team’s current standing in the Debmarine Namibia Premier League, finding themselves 11th on the log out of 16.
“Blue Waters would further like to express its gratitude to Lucky Shipanga, Armando Pedro, Laurence Low, and Dankie Hipundjua for their dedication to the club and wish them well in their future endeavours,” the club stated in its official announcement.
Paulus, however, is no stranger to Blue Waters. He previously served as head coach on two separate occasions, with his first tenure beginning in 2016. During that period, he notably led the team from a relegation-threatened position to a commendable third-place finish in the league. Despite this achievement, he was dismissed from his role. However, he was reappointed in 2022 on a three-year contract and continues to demonstrate his commitment to improving the team.
Along with his impressive coaching career, Paulus has also advanced his qualifications, having obtained a CAF B coaching license. His newly appointed technical team consists of Thomas Mvula as team manager, Fischer Kalimba as kit manager, Moses Nimengombe as goalkeeper coach, Dominic Edom as fitness coach, and Ruben Nakwafila as the team medic.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na