Telecommunications giant MTC yesterday rewarded Namibia’s national women’s football team, the Brave Gladiators, with N$300 000 following their historic triumph at the Cosafa Women’s Cup.
Each player and member of the technical team will receive N$10 000 from the reward package in recognition of their remarkable achievement and for flying the Namibian flag high on the regional stage.
MTC’s Tim Ekandjo applauded the players and technical team for their dedication and commitment.
“I can’t remember the last time a nation flew up in such jubilation,” Ekandjo said while congratulating the team for uniting the country through their success.
Officials at the ceremony expressed appreciation for the corporate support, stressing that partnerships with the private sector remain crucial in strengthening women’s football and ensuring players have the resources needed to compete at higher levels.
First National Bank of Namibia head of group (FirstRand) communications Namibia Kirsty Watermeyer, whose institution sponsors the Women’s Super League, also congratulated the Gladiators on behalf of the bank.
“It is in our ethos to help because it is important to grow our countrymen and women. We have been behind our women even before they won us these trophies, and we are honoured. We also call on more corporates to come on board and support. This has brought us together as a nation. It is important to get behind sporting codes before the trophies come,” she said.
Namibia Football Association (NFA) women’s football general manager Jacqueline Gertze highlighted the long journey and contributions of players who have shaped the national team and the growth of women’s football in Namibia.
She reflected on the historic moment in 2006 when then-captain Helvi Eliakim led the team to its first-ever COSAFA Women’s Cup final.
In that memorable match played in Lusaka, Namibia defeated Zambia on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with the late Stephanie Hummel scoring the decisive goal.
Gertze also acknowledged the leadership of Queen Manga, who later captained the team after Eliakim and now continues to serve Namibian football as a referees’ administrator under the NFA.
She praised the development pathway that produced many of the current Gladiators, noting that several players began their football journey at the age of 10 in the NFA’s Gals and Goals League. Among them are Millicent Hikuam, Memory Ngonda, Lorraine Jossob and Agnes Kauzuu.
NFA’s Jacqueline Shipanga thanked the various stakeholders who have supported the team over the years.
“We sincerely thank FIFA, CAF and Cosafa, the current leadership of the NFA, our families who continue to support and encourage these girls, as well as corporate partners such as FNB and MTC. Thank you for taking care of the girl child, but let us also not forget the boy child, because without them the girl child cannot succeed,” she said.