On behalf of the Namibia Football Association we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations and praise to Namibian referee Twanyanyukwa Antsino who made history by officiating the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) between Nigeria and Morocco on Saturday night. This is a monumental achievement for her, the NFA, and the entire Namibian nation.
Antsino’s selection to officiate the WAFCON final is a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Her refereeing of such a high-stakes match not only brings immense honour to herself but also to the Namibia Football Association and Namibia as a whole. This achievement unequivocally underpins the tireless efforts we’ve made in developing refereeing and other crucial facets of Namibian football.
The NFA would like further to emphasize the inspirational impact of Antsino’s success. Her journey is an encouragement to all aspiring young women referees in Namibia. We urge them to grab every opportunity to advance themselves in football, knowing that with hard work and perseverance, they too can reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Beyond Antsino’s groundbreaking feat, the NFA is also delighted to acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements of three other Namibian women who played vital roles at the WAFCON. Technical Director, Jacqueline Shipanga, served as a crucial part of the Technical Study Group (TSG), contributing her expertise to the analysis of the tournament.
Additionally, Helvi Eliakim and Juanita Gowases distinguished themselves as General Coordinators, ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects of the competition.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Jacqueline Shipanga, Helvi Eliakim, and Juanita Gowases for their outstanding contributions at WAFCON.
They’ve truly flown Namibia’s flag high on the continental stage. Their involvement, alongside Antsino’s historic achievement, is a shining example of women’s empowerment and growth within football and serves as a powerful inspiration for future generations.
The NFA remains committed to fostering an environment that supports and develops talent across all areas of football, particularly for women, ensuring that Namibian representations continue to excel on both national and international platforms.