For over a decade, Zenatha Coleman has been one of the defining figures of Namibian women’s football — a trailblazer whose career has stretched from a small town in southern Namibia to professional leagues across Europe and beyond.
Born in Keetmanshoop, Coleman attended Krönlein Primary School and later J.A. Nel Secondary School, where her football story truly began to take shape. What started as a childhood passion nurtured by family — particularly her late grandfather — would evolve into a remarkable career that saw her represent clubs in Namibia, Lithuania, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus.
Now playing for Doğan Türk Birliği Kadın Futbol Takımı, Coleman recently announced at the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship held in Polokwane, South Africa that it was her final appearance at the regional tournament. Her farewell comes on a high after helping Namibia win the competition for the first time — a historic moment for the Namibia women's national football team.
While stepping away from COSAFA competition, Coleman remains committed to representing Namibia on the continental stage, with one dream still driving her forward: qualifying for the next Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
In this exclusive feature, Coleman reflects on her journey, the sacrifices behind her success, and the legacy she hopes to leave for the next generation.
Personal Background:
Q: When did your football career begin (age) and what were some of the toughest moments in your football career that shaped you into the leader and player that you became?
Zenatha: My football career started at the early age of 6, growing up in a family where everybody played football – from my late grandfather to my uncles and even my Mom.
I just had to fall in love with the sport. My late grandfather used to take me to watch my uncles play and I told him I wanted to play too, then one day he bought me a soccer ball, and he taught me how to pass against the wall, how to juggle and shoot. Everyday when I woke up that's all I wanted to do.
Q: As you continue playing for Namibia and other competitions, what goals or milestones are you still aiming for?
Zenatha: The reason I will continue playing for Namibia is that there is only one goal for me left right now, which is to qualify for the next WAFCO and nothing else. We hosted it back in 2014 and ever since that time we have been missing out on qualifying by making it through only to the 2nd rounds and it's very heartbreaking.
Q: Who are your mentors or people that have guided you in your career?
Zenatha: The person who has guided me in my career definitely is my late grandfather, I am so grateful that he was around and well when my career started. He helped me, guided me, supported me. Even when I got pregnant and felt that my career was ending, even during such a time he never stopped supporting me, he made sure any chance I get I'll go professional and I think he died proudly knowing I am living my dream.
COSAFA Dream:
Q: You’ve announced that you’re retiring from COSAFA tournaments. What motivated this decision?
Zenatha: This decision was already taken even before I came for COSAFA. I have played in this competition seven times and finally won it. I just felt that with my age it’s now a chance to give space to younger footballers back home and also for them to get the exposure at Cosafa so that I can just focus on my club and future competitions with Namibia.
Q: What did it feel like lifting the COSAFA trophy personally, and how does it fit into your overall journey with the national team?
Zenatha: It's a really great achievement personally for me, knowing how many times I wanted to give up, but really it means more than just a trophy. To be able to win this for my country knowing where I come from, the difficulties I have faced, the challenges and also being the only professional female footballer for your country, I felt I needed to bring something for my country and this was the moment.
Q: What message do you have for your teammates and young girls that will continue to play COSAFA for The Brave Gladiators?
Zenatha: They have a huge task and responsibility on their shoulders for the next COSAFA, but I feel that with the right mindset and attitude they will be able to defend the title.
Leadership and Responsibility:
Q: What responsibility did you feel coming into this tournament as one of the longest-serving players?
Zenatha: Leadership and responsibility. There will always be responsibilities because you're representing a nation. I always want to win, bring my best game to the team and that's the attitude I wanted everyone in the team to have.
Q: What message did you share with the younger players before the final?
Zenatha: We've come this far, we need to go and win this final no matter what happens. You're going to do it for yourself firstly, your families and the Namibians back at home.
Q: What advice would you give to a young girl in Namibia who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Zenatha: Stay consistent ,work hard and have faith
Looking Forward:
Q: How have you seen Namibian women’s football evolve during your career as a player?
Zenatha: Namibian football has evolved from the time I was playing in Namibia. [Back then] there was no sponsorship, there were only 5-6 teams in a league but now we got up to 13 teams being sponsored. We also have talent that we are producing from the U17 to the U20 national teams. More people are interested in following women's football in Namibia because of the ongoing league.
Q: What are the key differences that separate women’s football in Africa and abroad?
Zenatha: In Africa we still lack the basic things like proper stadiums, soccer kits, even medical aid, while abroad they take women's football more seriously that even in some leagues they want to pay the same to women but I think we still have a long way to go.
Q: Beyond playing, how do you see yourself contributing to football in Namibia in other ways — perhaps coaching, mentoring, or advocacy?
Zenatha: Beyond playing I think I'll be better at mentoring than coaching, because I'm too emotional to be a coach. Mentoring the young ones will really make me so happy and will suit me because of my personality.
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