Jacqueline Shipanga: Bringing Namibian Expertise to the Continental Stage
Namibia Football Association Technical Director Jacqueline Shipanga continues to strengthen Namibiaโs footprint in womenโs football leadership, bringing her technical expertise to the continental stage at the TotalEnergies CAF Womenโs Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco from 26 July – 16 August.
As a member of the Technical Study Group (TSG), Shipanga played an important role in analysing the tournament from a technical perspective, contributing insights that help shape the understanding and future development of womenโs football in Africa
Shipanga welcomed the continued support from COSAFA and CAF towards the development of women in football, noting that initiatives such as the FIFA Forward Programme are helping to strengthen not only womenโs football but also the role women can play within national football associations.
โOur women players have not only had successful careers in football, but have also gone on to become highly employable. Current Brave Gladiators player Lovisa Mulunga, for example, successfully graduated from the inaugural FIFA Players Executive Programme, a global initiative designed to prepare current and former players and coaches for leadership roles beyond their playing careers. This is the kind of space we want to see our young players take up,โ she said proudly.
Shipangaโs own journey also reflects the growing opportunities available to women within football administration and technical development. At the TotalEnergies CAF Womenโs Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), she served as a member of the Technical Study Group (TSG), where she was involved in analysing technical and tactical aspects of the tournament.
She further added the importance of Member Associations to deliberately give opportunities to women in various domains such as Safety and Security, Media, Referees and Coaching.
“Cameroon won with a female coach that has a background in women football and equally equipped with experience in the technical field. She was supported by a high level technical team, appointments should not just be to tick of boxes but create a pathway for success especially for the girl child who is willing and competent” she stressed
She also led the CAF TSG for the WAFCON match between Malawi and Cameroon, an opportunity that highlighted the level of trust and responsibility she has earned within the African football technical community. The role allowed her to apply her extensive technical experience at one of the continentโs biggest womenโs football tournaments while contributing to the broader understanding and development of the womenโs game.
Shipanga has applauded the NFA for its continued commitment to strengthening womenโs football and investing in player development.
โThe FA is on the right track, particularly with the support it is receiving from CAF and FIFA to empower and develop female coaches. However, the success of our national teams depends largely on adequate preparation, and this is an area we need to improve.
We cannot expect to compete against professional teams when our players only have five-day camps. Our boys and girls deserve more time, resources, and opportunities to prepare properly. With leadership that understands that proper preparation produces results and that results attract more sponsorship this can be achieved.
We have already seen the impact of proper investment through the success of the Brave Gladiators, as well as the value of having regional leagues and a well-sponsored FNB Womenโs Super League. These are clear examples of what can be achieved when there is commitment, structure, and the right support.
My message to every little girl out there is simple: develop the ability to adapt, continuously work on yourself, believe in your potential, and live life to the fullest. The journey may not always be easy, but with dedication, resilience, and the right opportunities, you can achieve great things” said the former Gladiators coach and captain.