The Brave Gladiators are set to open their HollywoodBets Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) Women’s Championship campaign today against Mozambique at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, at 15h00.

The regional championship kicked off on Wednesday, 18 February, and will conclude on 1 March 2026. A total of 11 teams are competing, divided into three groups, with Namibia placed in Group C alongside Mozambique and Madagascar.

Head coach of the Brave Gladiators, Lucky Kakuva, said the team has been working diligently to refine its game model, which they will continue to reinforce throughout the tournament.

“It’s important for us to adapt our game based on the opponent. What matters in our game model is that players understand what is expected of them during defensive, attacking, and transition phases. Our game model is the blueprint we will use to beat Mozambique. The players are clear on their roles and have fully bought in,” said Kakuva.

The coach believes the team is well prepared, having already played seven league matches this season.

Acknowledging that Mozambique is traditionally a tough opponent in regional competitions, Kakuva anticipates a challenging encounter but remains confident in his team’s approach. “We will assess the early minutes of the game to inform certain tactical decisions. It’s important for us to focus on our strengths rather than worry too much about Mozambique. Our approach is goal-driven. We want to make a strong impact at the championship,” he added.

The Brave Gladiators are reported to be in good health, with no major injuries ahead of the tournament opener.

The first match is crucial for Namibia, as starting on a winning note could set the tone for the remainder of the competition. Namibia will conclude their Group C fixtures against Madagascar on 23 February at Seshego Stadium, also at 15h00.

All matches will be live streamed on FIFA+ and COSAFA’s YouTube channel. 

-hnalupe@nepc.com.na