Hilma Nalupe
At nine years old, Oiyah Henry Akwenye is pursuing big dreams on the football field. The Julinho Athletic FC winger and striker will represent Namibia at the esteemed Kapstadt Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, from 8 to 12 October.
The Kapstadt Cup is no ordinary youth competition.
Sanctioned by SAFA, CAF and Fifa, it brings together 33 clubs from across the continent and beyond, with matches held at venues, including Green Point Park.
The tournament has become a breeding ground for talent in the U/7 to U/23 age groups, with many players progressing to professional careers.
For Akwenye, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.
“I look forward to meeting other players from different clubs and learning from them. I want to give my best and make it to the finals to ensure a great victory at the end of the tournament,” he said.
Recently, he immersed himself in the atmosphere of top-tier youth tournaments, attending matches at the Gothia Cup in Sweden and the Dana Cup in Denmark.
“The support, the applause and the adrenaline rush are what give any football player the encouragement to do their best,” he recalled.
While he dreams of one day being scouted by an international club, Akwenye remains grounded.
“I love football – it is my passion. I hope to play full time eventually after I finish school. I want to make my country proud and show the world that Namibians are just as good as anyone else,” he said.
The Kapstadt Cup is well known for emphasising grassroots soccer and features youth teams from some of South Africa’s top professional clubs, including Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town Spurs.
For young players like Akwenye, it is more than just a competition.
It is a stage to showcase their skills, grow their confidence and fuel their aspirations.