Head coach of Namibia’s Futsal team the Gladiators 5, Donovan Modise, has assured the nation that despite being drawn into a tough group, Namibia stands a chance of securing a 2025 Women’s Futsal World Cup spot.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday while announcing the final squad for the upcoming Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, he expressed confidence in his team’s ability to qualify. Namibia has been placed in Group A, alongside hosts Morocco, who are the tournament favourites, and Cameroon.
“This is our first time competing at this level, so we are not setting unrealistic expectations. However, I believe we have a strong and capable squad that can finish in the top two and book a World Cup spot,” Modise stated.
The squad has been in training camp for several weeks, with initial trials conducted to select a large pool of players. The group was eventually reduced from 25 to 16 players, before a final 14-member squad was selected.
“We focused on building strength, improving physicality, and testing new tactics in training. If we execute what we’ve practiced, I am confident we can achieve great results,” he added.
The team has analysed footages of their strongest opponent Morocco, but they do not have much information on Cameroon. “We’ve studied Morocco’s style of play, but haven’t seen much of Cameroon. Still, we trust our preparations, and believe we can compete at the highest level,” he said.
The Futsal Gladiators 5 will depart for Morocco on 10April, with their first training session scheduled for 14 April. Final preparations will take place on 18 April, including two friendly matches against Moroccan futsal league teams.
This tournament is a historic milestone for women’s futsal in Namibia, following in the footsteps of Namibia’s men’s team, Brave 5, who made their debut at the CAF Futsal Afcon in April 2024 in Rabat, Morocco.
“This competition is an important opportunity for the growth and recognition of women’s futsal across Africa. It provides a platform for Namibia’s team to showcase their talent on the continental stage,” he added.
The two finalists of the competition will represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup which will take place from 21 November-7 December 2025 in the Philippines. – Additional reporting from caf.online.com
Here is the final squad:
Queandra Kasume Batista, Mbitjitandjambi Mungunda, Kamunikire Tjituka, Albertina Audhilu, Diane Kock, Tangi Mulundu, Fiola Vliete, Memory Ngonda, Hanavi Muhinatjo, Millicent Hikuam, Hillary Gonteb, Melissa Matheus, Mbitjita Katjipi and Agnes Kauzuu.