Iron ladies of Namibian football
Namibian football has over the years achieved a great deal of success, much of which often has not been celebrated. Women's football is very much in that conversation as a number of ladies have come out to become household names based purely on their passion and dedication to seeing the sport grow.
In addition to hosting the 2014 Women's African Cup of Nations, Namibia has developed a number of women, who are leaders on an equal standing with any of the opposite sex.
The PlayMaker takes a look at some of the names that have enabled the growth of the sport among women over the last few years. This tribute should serve as acknowledgement of the hard work they put in while doing something that many of their peers may consider as not glamorous. Here is to them continuing to break the ceiling in terms of what is expected of women; all to the sustained growth of Namibian football.
Salome Iyambo:
Iyambo is one talent many say retired too early from competitive football but she has been using her time to develop as a leading administrator. She has been travelling throughout the world in gaining more knowledge in the development of football as a recent trip to the ‘Friendship Square' in Ethiopia proves.
Jacky Gertze:
A former player and a qualified teacher, Gertze's administrative abilities set her apart. Using her experience as a teacher, she is credited with being a mentor to many young girls who have chosen to use football as a stepping stone to a better life. Approachable and passionate about football, Gertze is an institution in the game.
Uerikondjera ‘Mamie’ Kasaona:
This former Brave Gladiators captain has taken to life after football with aplomb after earning her coaching badges where she is heavily involved with the NFA Galz and Goals side by combining coaching and playing. But her biggest legacy will arguably be the Kasaona Football Academy, which operates from the heart of Katutura and caters for both girls and boys.
Jacqueline Shipanga:
Currently holding the position of Namibia Football Association technical director, Shipanga's accolades and rise with football transcend gender. She is a force and will forever be remembered for starting a number of football clubs like Okahandja Beauties and JS Academy while having obtained a number of top administrative and coaching qualifications.
Vistoria Shangula:
This former Brave Gladiators striker has made the switch from playing football to becoming a highly rated match official. She has been on the list of CAF match officials for a number of years now and continues to grow in stature and experience.
Julien Garises:
No list of powerful women is complete without the mention of this legend. She is credited with being one of the pioneers of women's football in Namibia. Garises was part of the first Brave Gladiators team to be selected after campaigning for the establishment of a women's national team in the 1990's. She has gone on to hold several portfolios in Namibian football, including being the first female to serve on the Namibia Football Association executive between 1994 and 2005.
Helvi Eliakim:
This administrator has been quietly crisscrossing the African continent and elsewhere in honing her skills. A qualified teacher, Eliakim is part of the select group that will spearhead Namibia's introduction of the E-Connect programme, thus making her a name to watch.
Monica Shapua:
A complete sport fanatic, Shapua's journey as a football person started with Tura Magic, with whom she still holds strong ties. That initial journey has seen her also working as a sport commissioner while she currently holds the position of Namibia Women's Football chairperson.
Stella Williams:
This playmaker remains a force on the field of play despite being well into her 40's. Williams is a household name in women's football circles but certainly deserves a bigger platform as her longevity on the playing field is a massive inspiration to anyone that has seen the former Brave Gladiators player in action.
Annouscka Kordom and all graduates:
Kordom is playing in Cyprus after joining women's club Aris Limasso. But while she is renowned as a footballer her off-field exploits are what set her apart after she obtained a bachelor's degree in health science and business. This has inspired a number of other players to follow suit by not neglecting their studies as was recently demonstrated by Lydiana 'Lady' Nanamus, who is a holder of a Bachelor of Science (chemistry major & biology minor) and Bachelor of science Honours (Applied Chemistry) qualification.
Zenatha Coleman:
The player is Namibia's shining light on the pitch as she is based in Europe where she is continuously making a name for herself. She is Namibia's first nominee for an African individual award after getting the nod in the early rounds for the CAF Women's Player of the Year in 2014.