Author: Joviita Kandjumbwa

By: Julia Nekwaya

Coming from a long line of athletes and a bloodline of prominent football stars such as Jamanuka Tjihero and Bimbo Tjihero, it is no surprise that Virginia Kujandeka Tjihero ventured into sports which eventually led to her being the conditioning coach for the Debmarine Namibia Premiership champions African Stars.

Tjihero, explained that some of the challenges she faced as a female coach of male team were gender bias as she was often viewed as less knowledgeable which translated into a lack of respect and trust from players and other coaches. Despite these challenges, she successfully coached a male team. With her determination, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, she become the First Namibian female coach to have won the Namibian premiership.

Tjihero speaks to SRSM about her journey and what keeps her going.

Thank you for chatting to us, what sparked your interest in sports, especially football?

My interest in sports began at a young age, often through participation in organised sports leagues and watching sports with family and friends. I found enjoyment in the physical activity, the challenge of competition, and the camaraderie of being part of a team. I used to do athletics and play netball throughout my high school years and still continued where I joined the Unam Athletics club where I was crowned the Namibian Senior National Shotput champion also the Senior National Champion for Botswana in 2018.

In the case of football specifically, I was drawn to the physicality and intensity of the sport, as well as the strategy and complexity of the game. I am part of the others that have grown up watching football with family or friends and developed a love for the sport over time.

I come from an amazingly talented sports family background. Shall I start with my mother? Theresia Kujandeka was an excellent netball player who played till her 50s. Now she is a huge football fanatic, and my dad, Jamanuka Tjihero, used to be a footballer back in his days together with his brothers Albert Tjihero and well-known Bimbo Tjihero, not to forget my cousin, our own hockey captain, Maggy Mengo. All in all, Coach Woody Jacobs showed me the roots and depth of football. He saw my work and has since kept pushing and motivating me to never stop as it defined me.

Sports can promote physical and mental health, build character, and bring people together across cultural and geographic boundaries.

What were your highlights this season?

It’s hard to pick a highlight because the players really played their hearts out in every game they played, with great maintenance, and there were very few injuries picked up throughout the season. African Stars players are mental monsters; I’ve watched them deal with every game calmly, passionately, and with experience, as most teams always played the hardest against us.

The players really saved the best for last with fascinating goals scored by remarkable players, so I would go with the crowning day. The little celebration dance I had with Dynamo was special and planned, of course; this group of players surely is extraordinary. This is African Stars! It’s hard to pick.

What challenges did you face as female coach of a male team?

One of the primary challenges that I faced as a female coach of a male team was gender bias. Some male athletes, coaches, and spectators may view women as less knowledgeable or capable than men when it comes to coaching male athletes. This bias can lead to a lack of respect and trust from players and other coaches, which can make it difficult to establish authority and build positive relationships, but the group of players I had were phenomenal or elite athletes. They allowed me to grow no matter my off days, and I appreciate them for that.

Despite these challenges, many female coaches have successfully coached male teams and have made significant contributions to the world of sports. With my determination, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, thus making me become the First Namibian female coach to have won the Namibian premiership, female coaches can overcome these challenges and achieve success in coaching male teams.

How do you balance being a coach and everything else?

Balancing being a coach with other responsibilities can be challenging, but it is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Here are some tips that have helped me achieve balance:

1. Prioritize your time: Make a list of all the tasks you need to complete and prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. Focus on completing the critical tasks first, and then move on to the less urgent ones.
2. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your coaching responsibilities and your personal life. This may mean setting specific times for coaching sessions, saying no to additional coaching work when you are already busy, and delegating tasks where possible.
3. Practice self-care: Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of yourself will help you stay energized and focused.
4. Be flexible: Recognize that there will be times when unexpected events and emergencies arise and you may need to adjust your schedule or priorities. Be flexible and willing to adapt to changing circumstances.

Remember that achieving balance is an ongoing process that requires mindful attention and effort. By implementing these tips, one can create a more harmonious balance between their coaching responsibilities and other aspects of their lives.

What’s your message to other aspiring female coaches?

Firstly, it’s important to believe in yourself and your abilities as a coach. Confidence is key to success in any field, and coaching is no exception. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong in the coaching world just because of your gender.

Secondly, seek out mentorship and support from other coaches who have experience and knowledge about football. Networking and building relationships with other coaches is very important, as it can provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth.

Thirdly, to continuously work on improving your coaching skills and knowledge as a coach, always be open-minded. Attend coaching clinics, read books and articles on coaching, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in football, as it also helps you connect more with your athletes.

Lastly, be a positive role model for your athletes and those around you. Show them that women can be successful coaches and leaders in sports, and inspire other women to pursue their own dreams and goals.

Remember, being a coach is about helping others achieve their full potential and reach their goals, regardless of gender. Keep that in mind and continue to work hard, and you can achieve great things as a female coach. Be Relentless!!

Tura Magic Ladies FC and Brave Gladiators Defender Lovisa Mulunga sat down with SRSM for a candid conversation about her life.

All you need to know about the witty Defender:

How did you become a football player?

Yoh, I honestly just saw boys playing with a ball, and I was drawn to it, and that’s how the love began, and the rest is history.

What do you think makes football different from other sports?

Football really unites; it brings people from different ethnic backgrounds and different socio-economic backgrounds together, and through this unity, sisterhood and brotherhood are formed.

What do you love most about football?

I love that I can be my most authentic self, that football brings joy to my heart, and that I can happily do something that I’m passionate about.

What was the most difficult part of your journey to becoming a football player?

The difficult part was being categorized (called all sorts of names like I am an LB or gay because of the sport that I play). It sort of gets to your head, especially if you are not mentally strong, but I am glad I overcame that before I reached the peak of my career.

What was the best advice anyone ever gave you about playing football?

Someone once said, “Remember why you started. And I think that statement constantly gives me the motivation to continue playing the game that I so love. Moreso, it sort of tells me in a way that I should not listen to what people tell me but rather focus on what I have to tell myself.

Is there anything you do differently now that you’re an experienced player compared to when you first started?

Not much has really changed; principles are still the same, but I think maybe it’s just that when you grow, you learn to deal with different personalities in a friendlier manner compared to the past, where we just talked to one another in whatever way.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Influence came from so many sides. My mom has been a positive influence because she has never questioned my passion, and all my former coaches were all very influential, so to leave out some people would be an injustice to them.

What do you think is the most important quality for a successful football player?

Discipline goes without saying. A disciplined player is highly likely to make it in a football career compared to one that lacks the fundamental quality.

What do you think sets your team apart from other teams in the league?

What sets us apart is our fighting spirit; we always fight till the very end to make sure we get the result that we want.

Who’s your favorite soccer player, and why?

Abby Wambach, the former soccer player and captain of the US national team, is my favorite footballer; her fearless and strong character drew me to her, and I always saw myself in her when watching her play.

What’s your favorite position to play?

My favorite position would be right back; however, I have grown fond of the central back position.

Who’s your favorite teammate, and why?

My favorite Agnes Kauzuu is one player with an extraordinary personality; she motivates and encourages us to constantly believe in ourselves and reminds us of the abilities that we possess, and that is why I find her to be my favorite teammate both on and off the pitch.

Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Funny enough, yeah, I do have a ritual. When I am at the training field and I train really well, I make sure the bra I wear that day is the same one I wear during match day, and for some reason it works, and there’s a saying that says, “Why change something that works? So, I’m sticking to that until it proves me otherwise.

Do you have any rivals on other teams that you enjoy playing against?

This season is extremely competitive; all the teams came on here to show their A-games, but one of the few teams that I enjoy playing against is definitely Galz and Goals. The momentum, aggression, and eagerness to win from both teams are immaculate.

How do you stay motivated during long seasons or when the results aren’t going your way?

When things don’t go well, that’s when we try to stay most motivated. We speak to one another and just remind ourselves that this is not the end of it. Let’s push through, learn from the mistakes we have made, and approach the next match with a positive attitude.

How do you stay in shape during the offseason?

Staying in shape during the off-season requires a lot of discipline, and sometimes I lose track, but I mostly try to play in tournaments; if there aren’t any, I go to a complex jog with my neighbors.

Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of football?

I’m a lover of athletics, and I think that would’ve been something I’d have considered if I wasn’t a footballer. I recently went to watch the NSSU national championships at Independence Stadium, and I was so impressed by the athletes from different regions that I felt like I wanted to join in.

Do you follow any other sports besides soccer? If so, which ones?

I follow athletics, but I’m starting to show some interest in cricket, so I will be on the lookout for some cricket matches.

What accomplishment in your football career are you most proud of?

There are quite a number of great achievements that I would say I’m really proud of, but I think the two main ones are definitely being part of the AFCON team in 2014 and being selected as the player of the season.

How would you like to be remembered as a football player?

I definitely want to be remembered as the player who always strives to make a difference both on and off the field. And not only that, but also to be remembered as someone who contributed to women’s football in Namibia.

By: Leena Ndakevandjo

Unam Bokkies defeated Ramblers 5-1 in their opening match of the season at Unam stadium on Saturday.

Taotago afrikaner (1), Muhinatjo hanavi (2),Hanna  (3), Vekendisa Ujaha (4),Piya Rodca (5) all scored for the team resulting in a victory.

Hanavi stated that, it has indeed been a great season so far, although the game was a bit intense.

“We are greatful that we scored”, She said.

She further stated that it was an intensive game for the team, but eventually they brought their A game to the game.

Coach Thuba of Unam bokkies said it has been indeed good to see the Girls figure out their position, movement and passes, since this match has been their first in the league.

“I am happy with the outcome”, She added.

Thuba further stated that they have signed about 5 new players, including Hanavi Muhinatjo who is also part of the national team.

Results for Saturday:

 Nust Fc 1-3 Beauties Fc

V-Power Angels Fc 7-1 Okahandja Fc

Omaheke Queens Fc 0-7 Ongwediva Queens

Unam bokkies Fc 5-1 Ramblers Angels

Khomas Nampol Fc 5- 2 Namib daughters Fc

Girls and Goals 3-1 Arrow ladies

By: Leena Ndakevondjo

The second round of the FNB Women Supers League had about 12 teams competing last weekend.

 Girls & Goals managed to beat Arrow ladies last weekend at the NFA technical centre in 3-1.

The first 2 Goals came from Tjimunene Ndjavera who scored 2 Goals. The number 4 managed to score another Goal within 2 minutes after the first goal, meanwhile Simataa Ntwala scored a Goal for the Arrow ladies during the second half of the game.

Mammie Kasaona who scored the 3^rd Goal for the Girls &Goals said that not only was the game intensive, but Massive as well since the ladies are physically fit.

“It was a massive win, but we managed to utilise the only chance we got”, She said.

As an experienced player Kasaona was relieved after scoring as she highlights that she wanted to  show the young ones how it’s done.

  Laimi Jacob from the Arrow ladies stated that it has indeed been a challenging game that they have had so far, as the other opponents came prepared for them.

“We win some, we loose some”, she said.

She further explained that they have not experienced any challenges, it was just not their day.

Players such as Selma Enkali, got out on a knee injury after the first half, 2 yellow cards were given during the game each from both teams .