One of Namibia’s leading football academies, Athletic Club Football Academy (ACFA) recently returned from South Africa where they partook in the popular KwaZulu Natal Football Academy Tournament.
ACFA veteran mentor Ricky Averia expressed great delight with the U/11 and U/13 boys’ participation at the KwaZulu tournament, saying the tourney provided his academy’s youngsters with much-needed exposure and a sense of professional football.
Both teams won silver medals in their respective age groups and three players received individual prizes.
There was a total of four teams per age group and matches were played on a round robin basis.
Part of the tour to the South African tourney also included intensive training and attending a live match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium between Amazulu and Richards Bay.
“It has always been one of the objectives of ACFA to expose our players to tournaments and competitions of high level beyond our borders. Under the leadership and initiation of Dokkies Schmidt, we managed to enrol ACFA in the KwaZulu Natal Football Academy Tournament and all went as planned. We are happy with the exposure your youngsters gained,” said Averia.
Popyeni Kiva Akwenye, who was one of ACFA standout players, thanked the academy for granting him and his teammates an opportunity to experience first-hand how football is developed and operates in other countries.
The budding youngster said the trip further bolstered his growing aspirations of one day taking up football as a professional career and is grateful for the opportunity given.
“I started at the tender age of four and have always played with my senior teammates. Being able to see first-hand other talented young players out there was my biggest highlight. It was also great seeing how other academies train and develop their skills. We had a wonderful time with a lot of training,” said the player.
But for now, the young Akwenye is focused on prioritising his studies while balancing his passion for football.
“I look forward to several local matches and international ones. I appreciate my mother and father’s support for providing me with resources and moral support to make it possible for me to be here. I will continue to learn from these opportunities and live my dream.”