When Namibia’s national women’s CS2 team enters the server on 21 June for the IESF African Regional Qualifiers, they’ll be representing more than just their country. For players like Maya Carstens, better known in-game as “Cyber Ghost”, this tournament is part of a years-long grind to grow the female esports scene in Namibia.
Carstens, a hard support player known for her clutch instincts and calm composure under pressure, has been part of the fabric of Namibian esports since 2017. While this won’t be her first attempt to qualify for IESF, it’s a milestone moment: a full Namibian women’s roster taking on the continent’s best.
“It’s still early days for the Namibian FE team,” says Carstens.
“Some of the players are newer to CS2, so there’s a learning curve. But everyone’s bringing a positive attitude and a willingness to grow. That fresh energy can be a strength in its own way.”
Carstens is no stranger to stepping up when it counts. A self-described “util nerd” who thrives in support roles, her play-style is all about setting up her team and reading the moment.
“In pressure situations, I just go completely quiet in my head and focus on what’s in front of me,” she explains. “I’ve been in a lot of scrims and tough rounds, so I know that staying calm is usually what makes the difference.”
That quiet confidence has been honed over years of persistence, from her first introduction to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in 2016, to forming the Ghost Gaming Namibia clan with her boyfriend and his younger brother. Their in-game names, Ghost Buster and AlphaGhost, inspired Maja’s moniker, “Cyber Ghost.”
From the beginning, she’s made it a goal to push for a spot at IESF, even if it meant entering solo or working behind the scenes to assemble a team. “We’re still building our presence internationally,” she says, “but being part of that foundation feels really meaningful.”
This year, thanks to efforts by Namibia’s esports federation (NESA) and key support from sponsors like MTC, that vision is beginning to take shape. Corporate buy-in has helped boost visibility, not just for the squad, but for women’s esports in the region.
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“Seeing brands associate with esports is a step in the right direction,” Carstens says. “Hopefully, it opens more doors for female players going forward.”
Still, qualifying won’t come easily. The team has had limited time to train together, and cohesion is still a work in progress. But Carstens says the squad is focused on the fundamentals: staying grounded, adapting in the moment, and taking each round as it comes.
“My mindset going in is just to try my best and not expect too much. If we do qualify, that would be an incredible milestone, not just for me, but for everyone involved.”
Off the server, balance is key. Between work, life, her two dachshunds, and hours of practice, Carstens finds time to unwind, with the help of coffee and family. “They remind me to step away from the screen and touch grass now and then,” she laughs.
As for inspiration, she looks up to players like s1mple, gla1ve, and Tory from Imperial Valkyries, competitors known not just for aim but for game sense, leadership, and poise. In many ways, Carstens is charting a similar path, leading with intention, anchoring her team, and making quiet moves that could turn into something big.
Main Photo Caption: Marking a decade in competitive gaming, Maja ‘Cyber Ghost’ Carstens brings cool confidence and tactical insight to Namibia’s CS2 Women as they prep for the IESF African Qualifiers. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Carstens made it a goal to push for a spot at IESF, even if it meant entering solo or working behind the scenes to assemble a team.
Photo 3 Caption: “My mindset going in is just to try my best and not expect too much. If we do qualify, that would be an incredible milestone.”
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