Namibia’s rising football sensation Nancy Lebang has taken the 2025 Cosafa Under-17 Girls Championship by storm, emerging as the leading goal scorer after netting an astonishing seven goals in a single match against Comoros.
The 16-year-old forward delivered a masterclass of attacking football on Tuesday, demonstrating exceptional poise, speed, and finishing ability during the group stage clash at the Hage Geingob Stadium.
Her incredible goal-scoring feat spotlighted her as one of the most promising talents in Southern African women’s football.
Behind Lebang’s brilliance lies a story of early discovery and deliberate development. Her coach at Windhoek-based V-Power Football Academy, Risto Shikomba, first spotted her talent when she was only 11 years old.
“Indeed, she is one of my players, and I am incredibly proud of her. I discovered her while she was still at Havana Primary School. She was an outstanding athlete even then, dominating in school athletics.”
At the time, Shikomba was running a boys’ football academy. Despite the focus on male players, he saw something special in Lebang and decided to include her in his U/11 boys’ team.
“She was so technically sharp and focused that I quickly drafted her to train with the U/13 boys. She needed to be challenged, and even though the boys were older and physically stronger, she adapted and thrived. She went on to play in the HopSol League for our U/13 and U/15 boys’ sides, which really shaped her character and style of play.”
Shikomba describes Lebang as a quiet, humble, and highly disciplined individual. “She’s always eager to learn and grow. Her performance at Cosafa doesn’t surprise me. It’s the result of years of hard work, dedication. She deserves all the accolades she’s getting.”
Brave Gladiators head coach Woody Jacobs also had high praise for Lebang and other emerging stars from the U/17 and U/20 squads.
“Lebang is the future of women’s football in Namibia. She, along with a few others in the youth setup, has the potential to go far. They just need to be nurtured and regularly exposed to high-level competition.”
Meanwhile, several other young players are making waves at the tournament. Zimbabwe’s Dee Mapuwa, Mya Munyanduki, and Faluna Umali of Malawi each have four goals. Jessica Andicene of Malawi, Hellen Banda and Ruth Mukoma of Zimbabwe, and Precious Mwape, also of Zimbabwe, have each scored three goals.
As the championship continues into the semi-finals, defending champions Zambia are set to take on Zimbabwe today at 12h00, followed by a clash between Malawi and Mozambique at 15h00, both matches are set for the Hage Geingob Stadium.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na