Gobabis: Traditional leaders in the Omaheke Region have called for intensified women's sport empowerment following the historic win of Namibia's Brave Gladiators in the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Cup. The national women's football team, the Brave Gladiators, surprised many by defeating their South African counterparts, Banyana Banyana, in the final 2-1 earlier this month.According to Namibia Press Agency, the victory hits close to home for the region, as Julia Rutjindo from the Epukiro Constituency in Omaheke features in the squad. Nampa spoke to some traditional leaders in the region who expressed their joy over the team's victory and called for support for women's sport. The councillor emphasized the victory as a wakeup call for girls to take sport seriously, expressing happiness over the Brave Gladiators' win as a sign of greater things for men's teams as well.Chapman, the San coordinator for the Epukiro Constituency, remarked that the victory will open many doors and opp ortunities for local sport. He encouraged young San girls to get involved in sport, despite challenges, and motivated them with the analogy of hunting oryx, which requires perseverance.Chief Tjinaani Maharero of the Maharero Royal House highlighted the Gladiators' victory as a source of joy for all communities, urging the government to enhance support for women's sport through training programs and resources. Maharero commended the team's dedication and unity as an inspiration for young girls nationwide.The Ovambanderu Traditional Authority's spokesperson, Uazenga Ngahahe, celebrated the Brave Gladiators' achievement as a significant milestone placing Namibia on the world map. Ngahahe acknowledged the government's role under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in promoting sport and called for equality in participation across genders.Ngahahe also invited sports organisers to engage with traditional authorities for blessings, advocating for a collaborative approach with the Ministry of Sports to ensure rura l community development. Himeezembi Kamburona of the Hoveka Traditional Authority praised President Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration for prioritizing sports and highlighted the role of sport in fostering national unity.Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, emphasized the importance of grassroots development in nurturing future athletes. He stressed the need for investment in school sports programs and infrastructure to consistently produce competitive national team players.Ballotti detailed the government's efforts to strengthen school sport programs and enhance infrastructure, aiming to increase sport participation among young Namibians. The collaborative efforts between regional and constituency structures are seen as vital to achieving these goals.