Nestled in the community of Okahandja Park on the outskirts of Windhoek, a group of passionate football fans come together every weekend to a rocky, uneven field to watch the thrilling action of local football.
This is where the Tobias Hainyeko Football League unfolds, a tournament that has become more than just a sporting event for the people in the area.
It is a source of entertainment, community pride and an effort to keep young men away from the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
The dedicated secretary of the league, Joseph Njamba, said “the league was started with the aim of offering an alternative to the vices that young people often fall prey to in the community”.
The league, which started in 2017, has now grown into an event that draws large crowds of supporters who cheer on their teams every weekend.
The teams come from within the community, each representing a group of talented, eager players. Njamba, with unwavering belief in the potential of the young athletes, expressed a strong desire for the league to receive sponsorship and support, aiming to take these players to the next level.
“These boys are good. They just need an opportunity to be seen by local coaches,” he said, hoping that clubs from higher or even lower leagues could spot the raw talent on display.
The Tobias Hainyeko Football League currently features 19 teams, each paying a registration fee of N$2 500 to compete.
The teams, including Young Fighter, Young Kango, Young Heroes, Super 11, Super Star, 11 Strangers, Kasie Rangers, Likuwa United, Kwenye United, Catalyst, Muramba United, Mazana United, Katima, K. Star, Wetu United, Square United Touch and Pass, OKP Unite and Flamingo, represent the heart and soul of the Okahandja Park community.
While 21 teams had initially shown interest, Njamba revealed that two teams were unable to register due to financial constraints.
“The registration money comes directly from the players themselves. Sometimes, it can be a struggle to get the necessary funds,” he said.
Another significant challenge the league faces is the condition of the playing field.
The rocky terrain, which poses a danger to players, remains a persistent issue.
Njamba acknowledged that levelling the field would make a significant difference.
However, due to the land being owned by Trustco and not the community itself, they are limited in their ability to make long-term improvements.
The scarcity of sport and entertainment parks in the area adds to the difficulty.
“There’s not much else in terms of facilities for the youth here. We must make do with what we’ve got,” he said.
Looking to the future, Njamba hopes that some of the talented players will make it to the top levels of the sport, while also envisioning a self-sustaining league that can continue to thrive for years to come.
“We want to see these boys make it to bigger clubs. We want this league to grow into something that can sustain itself and continue to serve the community,” he said with determination.
Despite these challenges, the Tobias Hainyeko Football League continues to grow and make an impact.
The community rallies around the league every weekend, with large crowds gathering under the shade of nearby trees to witness the games.
For many like Erastus Moses, it is a chance to escape the pressures of daily life, and immerse themselves in the spirit of local football. “I come here to watch the guys play. I love football. It is better than drinking and sleeping all day,” he said.
The Tobias Hainyeko Football League committee members are chairman Roberth Disho Kavetoh, vice chairman Lucas Shinoya, secretary Joseph Njamba, administrator Eddy Mukuwah, league director Stone Lucas and treasurer Nyambe Goldus.
Other members are Muremi Nani, Chishitha Romanus, Beni Mupeli, Kapunburu Haingura and Muhunguko Katjire.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na