Twanyanyukwa’s role at Wafcon final true celebration – Hamata 

Namibia Football Association (NFA) spokesperson Isack Hamata says Namibians are celebrating the significant roles played by the three officials at the recently concluded women’s final in Morocco.

Antsino Twanyanyukwa officiated the epic 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) final on Saturday which saw Nigeria clinching its tenth title after beating host Morocco 3-2.

Speaking to Desert FM, Hamata says ‘Di Maria’, as Twanyanyukwa is known, is a Namibian who has done well for herself and the country.

“She has crossed the length and breadth of this continent and has officiated in a number of high-level matches such as the Confederation of African Football champions league, Africa qualifiers and in international friendly matches,” he says.

“It’s a celebration for Namibians and we have invested in these officials as a country through the NFA and now Namibians are taking centre stage, handling the Wafcon final.”

Hamata says Namibia is taking its rightful place as a country that has invested into its people.

“We now know that she is going to the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America. Those that aspire to follow in Di Maria‘s footsteps must be guided.”

The NFA spokesperson says Twanyanyukwa will retire in a few years time, therefore, new talent is needed.

He adds that Namibians are celebrating a significant feat in the realm of football.

On his part, NFA president Robert Shimooshili praises Antsino for the historic Wafcon final.

“On behalf of the NFA we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations and praise to Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa who made history by officiating the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria and Morocco on Saturday night.”

He says this is a monumental achievement for her, the NFA and the entire Namibian nation and that her 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.”

“Antsino’s 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,” he says.

The NFA has also acknowledged the contributions and achievements of three other Namibian women who played vital roles at the Wafcon.

Technical director Jacqueline Shipanga served as a part of the technical study group, contributing her expertise to the analysis of the tournament.

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 Shipanga, Eliakim and Gowases for their outstanding contributions at Wafcon,” says Shiimooshili.

“They’ve truly flown Namibia’s flag high on the continental stage. Their involvement, alongside Twanyanyukwa’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 president says the national football body 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.

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