Hilma Nalupe

The 2025 Region 5 Youth Games delivered an exciting week of indoor volleyball as young athletes from across Southern Africa converged at the Windhoek Showgrounds from 6 to 12 July. 

The U/19 boys and girls showcased not only talent and discipline but also the unifying power of sport. 

The tournament marked one of the final sporting codes of the multi-sport event, taking place shortly after the conclusion of beach volleyball. The transition from sand to court was smooth, but the intensity remained just as high. Athletes dived, leapt, blocked and spiked their way through tight schedules and fierce matches, all under the watchful eyes of supporters and technical teams. 

Namibia’s boys and girls del ivered commendabl e performances throughout the week, holding their own against some of the region’s strongest teams. In the third-place play-off, Namibia’s boys fell short against Malawi, losing 3-0 and finishing fourth. Despite the score-line, the team’s fight and consistency earned them respect of many in attendance. 

In the boys’ final, Zimbabwe claimed the gold medal with a commanding 3-0 victory over South Africa. Malawi secured the bronze after their win over Namibia. 

The girls’ final was a tightly contested affair between South Africa and Mozambique, with South Africa emerging the champions after a dramatic 3-2 win. 

Throughout the week, players across all teams displayed impressive levels of athleticism and mental toughness. 

The tournament also served as a platform to identify potential talent for national development, with several players standing out for their skills and composure under pressure. 

-hilmanalupe@gmail.com