Futsal Namibia will this weekend conduct national U/17 trials to select players who
will represent the country at this year’s Dakar en Jeux International Futsal Tournament in Diamniadio, Senegal.

The continental tournament is scheduled to take place from 6 to 9 November, with Namibia aiming to assemble a strong team capable of flying the national flag high at the tournament.

Futsal Namibia said the trials are open to all aspiring players who meet the Youth Olympic Games preparatory age requirements. 

Eligible players must have been born after 13 November 2008, meaning they cannot turn 17 before 14 November 2025.

Speaking ahead of the trials, Futsal Namibia communications manager Greyeno Rusberg encouraged all young futsal enthusiasts to participate. 

“It’s open to the public. Everyone under the age of 17 is welcome as long as they meet the set criteria. We invite all aspiring and talented futsal players to come in numbers and showcase their abilities,” he said.

He added that the trials form part of the long-term development plan to identify and groom future national team players in preparation for the Youth Olympic Games and other international competitions.

The Dakar en Jeux Festival serves as a build-up event to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). 

Following last year’s successful inaugural edition, which drew thousands of participants, this year’s festival will place even greater emphasis on promoting sports, culture and the Olympic spirit among Senegalese communities. 

The five-day celebration held across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly is expected to attract over 2 000 athletes and tens of thousands of spectators. 

This is part of efforts by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee to engage youth, encourage physical activity and highlight Olympic values ahead of the Games. 

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na