Futsal Gladiators ready for historic AFCON debut

Futsal
The Futsal Gladiators 5 will be competing in the women's Futsal Africa Cup of Nations for the first time ever.
Brian Munango
  • 1 Week Ago 19 March 2025
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has announced its final player squad for the national Futsal Gladiators women’s team, ahead of their inaugural appearance at the CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 22 to 30 April in Rabat, Morocco.

The Futsal Gladiators have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco and Cameroon. Namibia’s pool matches are against Morocco (22 April) and Cameroon four days later.

Head coach Donawald Modise acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Morocco’s team has been playing women’s futsal for seven years, while Cameroon had to pull up a new team. That gives us quite a chance to get far."

In preparation for AFCON, the Namibians are currently in camp and will play two friendly matches in Morocco in April.

“We are going to have two friendlies in Morocco against top-tier clubs. We don’t have the names yet, but they are confirmed," Modise stated.

He expressed his admiration for the women’s progress at the futsal game. "I'm very impressed with the ladies. They take well to the tactics, they listen, and they do everything as expected."

While acknowledging the high level of the AFCON stage, he remains optimistic. "All they can do is play to the best of their abilities and give Morocco and Cameroon a run for their money.”

The country’s first-ever appearance at the Women’s Futsal AFCON marks a historic milestone. "It’s very big. It’s quite a milestone for us," Modise emphasized.

The team is motivated to deliver a competitive debut at the continental tournament. Fans are encouraged to support the Futsal Gladiators as they embark on this journey.

The final squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. The squad consists of Queandra Kasume Batista, Mbitjitandjambi Mungunda, Kamunikire Tjituka, Albertina Aludhilu, Diane Kock, Tangi Mulundu, Fiola Vliete, Memory Ngonda, Hanavi Kamutuaa, Millicent Hikuam, Hillary Gonteb, Melissa Matheus, Charlotte Richter and Agnes Kauzuu.

The other six nations contesting the first-ever African women’s futsal title are:

Group B: Angola, Egypt, Guinea.

Group C: Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal.