Namibia's Baby Gladiators, under Head Coach Woody Jacobs, are stepping up preparations ahead of their first-leg Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers match against Kenya's Junior Starlets on 12 April 2026 at the UNAM Stadium.

With nine days remaining before the Junior World Cup qualifier, Namibia's Women's Under-17 national team, the Baby Gladiators, is in camp preparing to face Kenya's Junior Starlets at home.

Head Coach Woody Jacobs said the team has done the necessary work ahead of the first-round clash.

Jacobs noted the team's commitment during preparations and expressed confidence in their chances of qualifying for the next round.

Jacobs, who recently finalized his squad, included COSAFA Women's Championship players Tunga Ndiweteko, goalkeeper for Arrows Ladies, and forward Nancy Lebang from V Power Angels to strengthen the team.

This will be the first meeting between the two women's junior teams on the international stage.

The Baby Gladiators face a challenge against the Junior Starlets, who are aiming to qualify for the World Cup after making their debut in 2024.

Namibia will aim to advance past the first round of qualifiers and secure their tournament debut later this year in Morocco.

In 2025, the Baby Gladiators were eliminated in the first round by Uganda's Teen Cranes, losing 18-1 on aggregate.