Namibian Women’s National Team coach Woody Jacobs has hailed two young players, Mbakondja Kahiriri and Memory Somses, as the future of the Brave Gladiators.
Both Kahiriri and Somses are part of the 19-woman squad currently in Liechtenstein for a two-match friendly series. At just 19 years old, Kahiriri is already the captain of her club side, Beauties FC, who finished second in the FNB Women’s Super League League. Somses, who turns 19 in August, has been a standout performer for V-Power, also in the FNB Women’s Super League.
Jacobs is confident that both players have the potential to become key figures for the national team. “Mbakondja has the potential to become a leading defender,” Jacobs said. “Somses, with her eye for goal, is exactly what we need in midfield.”
Somses impressed in a recent friendly against AmaTuks, scoring a goal in the match. Both players made their international debuts in April this year in a friendly against Botswana. They are hoping for more playing time against Liechtenstein to further solidify their places in the national team.
“We are always looking to expand the pool of players for the national team and these two are some of the players that can take the mantle over from the older players that are nearing retirement. These two are exactly what we need.”
“They have their sights set high, and I have no doubt that they will continue to grow and develop into important players for the Brave Gladiators.”
Both Somses and Kahiriri said they are just happy to have the opportunity to represent Namibia and that they will make the team and country proud if they are picked.