Hilma Nalupe 

Namibian football is making its mark on the global stage through the talented boots of 14-year-old midfielder Popyeni Kiva Akwenye, who recently took part in his first European football tournament as a member of Julinho Athletic FC. 

Akwenye and his teammates are currently competing in the Gothia Cup 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden, the world’s largest and most international youth football tournament. The event, running from July 13 to 19, brings together around 1,900 teams from 75 countries, with matches played across 112 pitches. 

Julinho Athletic FC, representing Namibia in the B14 category, kicked off on a high, claiming a 3-0 victory over Surte IS FK at Furulunds IP. Speaking after the match, Akwenye praised the team’s performance and spirit. 

“Teamwork is so important, a goal scored by one is a goal scored by all. This victory starts our string of matches on a good note,” he said. 

For Akwenye, this international experience follows his first match abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, where he began adapting to different playing techniques and environments. 

“I’m so excited to take part in my first international match and I look forward to seeing how other players from around the world play on the pitch,” he said. “The weather had an impact on my performance, but we pushed through, and our training has helped us adjust to various pitch conditions.” 

A rising talent with deep-rooted passion for the sport, Akwenye draws inspiration from Ngolo Kanté, and proudly backs Real Madrid CF as his favourite international club. 

“My favourite local team is obviously Julinho Athletic FC,” he added. 

The young star’s international journey doesn’t end in Sweden. Julinho Athletic FC is also set to participate in the Dana Cup in Denmark, taking place from July 21 to 26. As Denmark’s largest sporting event, the Dana Cup has welcomed over 1,000 teams from 50 nations annually since 1982, giving youth players a rare chance to compete at a high level. 

Despite his growing football profile, Akwenye remains grounded. 

“My dream is to play on a professional level in the Premier League,” he shared. “However, as I’m reminded every day, academia comes first and finding balance is important.” 

From training on home soil to playing on international pitches in Europe, Akwenye’s story is one of ambition, discipline, and a dream shared by many young African athletes: to take their talent from local fields to the world stage. 

-hilmanalupe@gmail.com