Windhoek
Namibian football mourns the sad passing of Brave Gladiators star player Albertha ‘Chicken’ Dawes, who took a bow from the game of life at the fairly young age of 21 in the Katutura Hospital, Windhoek on Monday. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor a couple of weeks ago.
The well-built Dawes joined the NFA Galz & Goals project at the tender age of 10 and played for the U14 National Galz & Goals team, winning two gold medals as an U16 national player in the Hessequa Girls Football Tourney in South Africa in 2010, under UNICEF as part of its Sport for Development initiatives.
She represented Namibia at the U17 COSASSA Ball Games from the age of 14 up to 17. Her greatest performance was recorded with the U20 national team. She went on to represent the Gladiators at the age of 15 amassing a staggering 45 caps at senior level.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Namibia conducted several case studies on the life of girls In football with the late Chicken featuring in all those publications.
Barry Rukoro the NFA secretary general expressed the association’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the entire football fraternity who have been touched by her passing.
“Chicken will be missed around Football House but her inspiring smile and warm personality will be remembered forever.”
Upon learning about the sad news, Jacqui Shipanga the Gladiators head coach could not contain herself.
“I’m so sad; I am in tears, especially knowing that there is nothing I could do to save her life other than what I have been doing. I will miss her. God has made the final call and she had to go to her home in heaven.”