Rudolf Gaiseb
The founder and president of the Dream Social Football League (DSFL), Shalom Amutenya, said the league aims to provide a platform for local football players to showcase their talents.
He said DSFL’s mission is to provide opportunities for participation in quality social football events that foster the physical, emotional, social and psychological growth of its participants.
“DSFL strives to provide a high level of competition within an equitable environment, while maintaining the structures of an organised recreational setting.
The aim is to provide an affordable social football league in the Windhoek area,
provide a good sporting atmosphere to the players and supporters alike, as well as promote socialisation through sports,” he said.
He added that the vision of the league is to provide social football over weekends and public holidays.
The league also aims to promote inclusivity in sports, while helping eradicate excessive alcohol and drug abuse.
“We established it with an idea to blend the competitive spirit of football with the educational values essential for community development. While the DSFL adheres primarily to Fifa rules, it has tailored its regulations to align with its unique mission, emphasising discipline, respect and commitment,” he added.
He further said the DSFL is not just about football, but a platform for identifying and nurturing talent within the community, and contributing positively to their personal growth and the community’s development.
The DSFL in Windhoek was founded in 2023 to provide male football players with a platform to team up and go head-to-head, despite their age gaps.
In their first season, the league had eight teams, but they levelled up to 12 teams in the second season.
Amutenya said word-of-mouth efforts have raised awareness of the small league.
The DSFL 2024 season features a total of 148 games, including 132 league matches and 16 League Cup matches.
The league matches kicked off on 27 April and will conclude on 28 September, whereas the League Cup matches will start from 5 to 26 October.
The League Cup finals and DSFL end-year function are set to take place on 2 November.
All the games are played at Ella du Plessis High School sports field in Khomasdal every Saturday.
This season, the DSFL features teams competing in a two-legged league format.
Polaris FC took the win last year, and is currently at the top of the standings with 34 points. After an exhilarating battle to be on
top, Real City FC and Los Blancos FC follow in the second and third positions with 33 and 32 points, respectively.
Amutenya is hopeful that more teams will join the league, and is looking forward to hosting workshops in future to improve performance.
He is currently incorporating teamwork among players by integrating them into community service, such as cleaning campaigns, in different areas of the city.
“The DSFL continues to champion the integration of sports and education, making a lasting impact on the community through its core values and vision,” he stated.
– rrgaiseb@gmail.com