Brave Gladiators rewarded N$650,000 for historic COSAFA win
The Government of the Republic of Namibia has officially recognised and rewarded the Brave Gladiators after their historic triumph at the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025.
Speaking at the Recognition and Awards Ceremony, the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Hon. Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the growth of football in Namibia.
“This evening, we celebrate a particularly special moment,” Dr Steenkamp said. “The Brave Gladiators have written a remarkable chapter in Namibian football history by winning the COSAFA Women’s Championship. This is the first time our senior national women’s football team has secured this title. Your victory is a triumph for Namibian football and a powerful sign of the growing strength of women’s sport in our country. You have inspired young girls across Namibia to believe that with dedication, discipline and teamwork, anything is possible.”
In line with the National Sport Reward Policy, adopted by Cabinet in 2018, the team and technical staff will receive a total of N$650,000, with N$500,000 shared among the players and N$150,000 allocated to the coaching and technical staff in recognition of their dedication and contribution to Namibian sport.
Dr Steenkamp also highlighted the government’s broader support for football, noting that N$50 million has been transferred to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) during the current financial year to support operational needs and national team activities.
The Minister praised collaboration with the private sector, citing companies such as MTC Namibia for their support in celebrating athletes. She added that the government had also rewarded other sporting codes in recent weeks, including Paralympic athletes, kickboxing, full-contact martial arts, and volleyball teams, with rewards totalling over N$1 million.
“Brave Gladiators, you have made Namibia proud,” Dr Steenkamp concluded. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the technical team, the players, and the Namibia Football Association for the dedication and hard work that made this historic achievement possible.”
