The highly anticipated first edition of the Dinaledi – International Football Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place from 19 to 21 July at the state-of-the-art Dinaledi Sports Facility in Oodi, Botswana.
This inaugural youth tournament will bring together elite teams across five age categories (U/9 to U/17) under the powerful theme: “Football Without Borders – Introducing Professional Football Development to Botswana.”
According to Hassan Stoffel, Football Operations Manager at Dinaledi Football Academy, several renowned teams have confirmed participation. These include Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and Kagiso Sports School of Excellence from South Africa, DS Football Academy from Namibia, and the Botswana National U/17 team, among others.
“This tournament aims to position Botswana as an emerging hub for professional football development in the region. We believe that media coverage will be critical in raising awareness, building excitement, and amplifying its impact,” Stoffel emphasised.
Namibia’s DS Football Academy will be sending its standout U/15 team, described as a “golden generation” by academy founder Dokkies Schmidt. The squad currently forms the core of DSFA’s senior team competing in the Khomas third division, where they are second on the log and pushing for promotion.
“As part of our broader vision and with the DSFA International Dunes Cup 2025 set for 9 to 12 July in Swakopmund, we are committed to creating platforms that expose Namibian youth to international football experiences,” said Schmidt.
He added: “We believe exposing our players to the intensity, competitiveness, discipline, and demands of international tournaments will shape not just better athletes, but more resilient individuals. At DS Football Academy, we believe in changing lives through sport.
“Our players are talented and hardworking, but to truly thrive, they need consistent opportunities in competitive environments. Tournaments like the Dinaledi International Cup offer exactly that, a stage to test themselves, grow, and represent Namibia with pride.”
“Our boys are ready. They’ve been working tirelessly for moments like these, and we have no doubt they will go out and showcase the spirit, talent, and dreams of every Namibian child,” Schmidt concluded. – lmupetami@nepc.com.na