WINDHOEK – The TN Mobile 9th African Women’s Championship was arguably one of the biggest sporting occassions ever in the history of Namibia since its independence from South Africa in 1990.
The tournament that ran from October 11-25 2014 made the southern African country the focus of the global football lens as the decision on the continent’s three representatives for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup was made.
In the end, Nigeria, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire finished in the top three, in that order, and confirmed their places for next year’s women’s version of the Copa Mundial in Canada.
With the tourney going down as one of the best organized in recent times, one group that played an active role in the successful organization of the championship during the two weeks were the volunteers.
Often overlooked, the contribution of the volunteers cannot be underrated with their handiwork in sectors such as accommodation, transportation, protocol, safety and security, medical, hospitality, media and marketing, all adding up to the organization of an event that will last in the minds of many and all who were involved.
Hundreds of volunteers drawn from all walks of life with some as little as seven years of age were all excited to contribute to the historic occasion.
For some, it was their first contact with the sport.
For others, it was an opportunity to be part of the success story of the ninth edition of the biennial championship.
“I was never a person who enjoyed watching soccer. I always felt it was a male dominated game. Honestly, I also felt it to be boring until I was thrown in at the deep end. Volunteering for the tournament gave me the opportunity to appreciate the sport and the athletes as well,” said Arlinda Anghuwo, who was at the welcome desk at the official CAF hotel.
Samuel Mujoro, a student who volunteered in the protocol area, recalled the experience gained during the period of his involvement with the tournament.
“It served as a breeding ground for exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. It was good to interact with persons from different countries and backgrounds on the game of football,” he said.
Joan Isaacks, who was at the Accreditation Centre, was very grateful to all involved for the chance to play a part in the success of the tournament.
“I thank CAF and the Namibia Football Association (NFA) for hosting this event in our beautiful country. As a woman I feel proud to have been part of this event,” Isaacks concluded.
– www.cafonline.com