Mammie Kasaona has written her name in the history books by becoming the first female coach to lead a men’s soccer team to victory in the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup. On her debut appearance as head coach, Kasaona guided Kunene Region to a 2-0 win over Kavango West in the final, claiming the 23rd edition of the prestigious youth tournament.
The final took place in Kunene, the host region, marking a memorable home victory under Kasaona’s leadership. Her achievement received national praise, with the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, commending her success.
“Of the many pictures taken this past month, I asked for this one. The future is not female, female is now,” Ballotti said in a statement shared on social media, alongside a photo with the victorious coach.
The tournament also highlighted the impressive performance of 19-year-old Brudinho Kandirikirira, who was named Player of the Tournament. Representing Kunene, Kandirikirira played all five matches, scored six goals, and won two Man of the Match awards. He ended as joint top goal scorer alongside Bwebwe and helped his team lift the trophy.
Kandirikirira, who plays for SKW in the Khomas Third Division, was previously dropped by the Khomas region during trials but proved his talent on the national stage.
Meanwhile, Kavango West, the 2023 champions, finished as runners-up. This marks their second final appearance in three years, after also reaching the 2023 final. In 2024, their neighbors from Kavango East made it to the final, continuing the strong presence of the Kavango regions in the tournament’s recent history.
The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup remains one of the country’s most important platforms for discovering young football talent.
