League-winning fitness coach hailed
Football
Praised for her contributions this season, horizons are broadening for African Stars fitness coach Virginia Tjihero Kujandeka.
Her passion for fitness coaching has elevated her to greater heights in an industry mainly dominated by male fitness coaches. Virginia Tjihero Kujandeka has added another accolade to her flourishing fitness coaching career that continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
On Saturday, Kujandeka was part of the African Stars team that were officially crowned champions of the Debmarine Namibia Premiership.
The ‘Reds’ completed the season on 58 points, having won 16 of their 30 premiership matches as well as 10 draws, with only four losses during their 2024-2025 campaign.
The euphoria and hype for Kujandeka was a reward for a person who has dedicated her time to the fitness of football players.
Her efforts have contributed to the entry in the history books of African Stars and Namibian football, as the club won the premiership for the third time in a row.
“It is an incredible moment for me [seeing] our hard work pay off off this season.
“I am proud of the players who gave it their all this season. This win means that those hard fitness lessons I gave were not in vain,” she said.
The coach – whom for the last four years has worked with Okahandja United, Unam Bokkies and the senior national women’s team Brave Gladiators – lives, breathes and dreams fitness coaching.
Her expertise include understanding coaching principles, strategies and training methods for football, as well as fitness programmes, injury prevention, nutrition and conditioning.
Equipped with a national diploma in fitness and conditioning, a Namibia Football Academy (NFA) C coaching certificate, a FIFA diploma in football medicine and a FIFA guardian safeguarding in sports diploma, Kujandeka’s contribution to Stars is no longer a secret given the club’s recent success.
“Being a female in a men’s game, particularly in football, is a powerful statement of breaking down barriers and contributing to a more inclusive and equal playing field.
“ It requires resilience, passion and a commitment to proving that talent and determination are not limited by gender.
“The increasing visibility of women in men’s football helps to challenge traditional norms and inspire the next generation of female athletes, coaches and professionals,” Kujandeka said.
She extended gratitude to everyone who has contributed to her journey, including her mothers Theresia Kujandeka and Victoria Kujandeka.
Looking forward, the fitness coach still believes she has more to offer and achieve in Namibian sport circles.