In the heart of Namibia’s U17 Women’s training camp, there’s a palpable sense of determination and excitement as the Baby Gladiators prepare for their high-stakes FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Uganda.
The matches, set for January 16 and 19 at Kampala’s Hamz Stadium, are a pivotal opportunity for the team to showcase their growth and ambition.
Head Coach Hafeni Ndeitunga’s voice carries a mix of resolve and optimism as he oversees the rebuilding of his squad. “We’re starting from the ground up,” he shared candidly. “After the 2024 COSAFA Girls Championship, it was clear we needed a fresh approach. The results were disappointing, but they were also enlightening. We now know what works for us and what doesn’t.”
The training sessions are intense, with the players pouring their energy into every drill, driven by the dream of representing their country on the world stage.
Ndeitunga acknowledged the challenges of forming a cohesive team with a largely new roster, but he’s encouraged by the effort and spirit the girls are showing.
“The determination is incredible,” he said. “These girls are putting in the work, and it’s inspiring to see their commitment. For the next two days, we’ll focus on trimming the squad. Once that’s done, we’ll dive into the tactical aspects, fine-tuning how we want to play against Uganda.”
The Baby Gladiators are no strangers to adversity. While they’ve had to part ways with some players who gained international experience in previous tournaments, this new squad is hungry to prove itself.
Ndeitunga emphasized that this competition is about more than just winning—it’s about showcasing Namibia’s potential and building a brighter future for women’s football.
The camp is buzzing with enthusiasm, from the coaches to the players. Each session ends with laughter and high-fives, a reminder of the camaraderie that binds the team. As the clock ticks down to their first leg in Kampala, the Baby Gladiators are ready to bring their best to the field.
“We want to go all the way,” Ndeitunga said with quiet determination. “This is a new chapter, and we’re writing it together.”
