Exciting HopSol league arrives
Affiliation with the NFA is a future option for the HopSol Youth Soccer League, but development comes first.
Football fans will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful game when the HopSol Youth Soccer league starts in Windhoek on Friday.
The new league has attracted many youth clubs around the city and the organisers are delighted with the entries.
Matches will start at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday.
The founder of the new league, Colin Benjamin, could not hide his excitement.
“It's encouraging to note that the HopSol Youth Soccer League will create positive after-school activities to reduce the possible abuse of drugs and alcohol by scheduling night leagues on Fridays and Saturdays,” Benjamin said.
The number of clubs that have registered for the league exceeded the organisers' expectations.
The league was created with the aim of removing close to 1 000 children from the streets.
About 1 012 boys from 20 schools and clubs will participate in the league this season.
Cosmos High School and Academia High School will kick off the league in the opening match at 15:00.
More games will follow on Friday evening and throughout the weekend.
Not only is the tournament expected to benefit the youth educationally, but the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital will offer first-aid courses to participating teams. Paramedics will be on stand-by for all league matches.
Absolute Logistics also made an in-kind contribution, sponsoring referee kits, while Coca-Cola will provide refreshments for the opening games on Friday.
“We need to own youth football for it to develop. Technically, there is a lot of work that needs to be done,” Benjamin said.
A former professional football player and coach, Benjamin feels that personality development has not been given the attention it deserves.
Benjamin said they had the blessing of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) despite not being affiliated to the football body yet.
The NFA made it clear on national radio that it would not be possible for the national team coaches to select players from the youth league because it is not affiliated to the NFA.
In an earlier interview with Namibian Sun Benjamin said he was in no hurry to seek affiliation right away.
He said the focus would be on developing talent for now, and affiliation would be something for the future.
Orlando Pirates coach Woody Jacobs expressed joy about the start of the youth league.
Jacobs feels that it will improve the game and give premier league coaches the opportunity to scout for players.
“It is something very special and I would like to congratulate Benjamin and his team for coming up with such an initiative.
“This will definitely benefit many of the youth around the country and perhaps the coaches, if the Namibia Premier League ever starts,” Jacobs said.
Citizens FC coach Christy Guruseb shared the same views.
“It is something amazing for Namibian football, which is currently going through a hard time.
“We are happy that at least the youngsters will have a chance to play football on a regular basis,” Guruseb said.
* Additional reporting by hopsolscoccer
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
The new league has attracted many youth clubs around the city and the organisers are delighted with the entries.
Matches will start at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday.
The founder of the new league, Colin Benjamin, could not hide his excitement.
“It's encouraging to note that the HopSol Youth Soccer League will create positive after-school activities to reduce the possible abuse of drugs and alcohol by scheduling night leagues on Fridays and Saturdays,” Benjamin said.
The number of clubs that have registered for the league exceeded the organisers' expectations.
The league was created with the aim of removing close to 1 000 children from the streets.
About 1 012 boys from 20 schools and clubs will participate in the league this season.
Cosmos High School and Academia High School will kick off the league in the opening match at 15:00.
More games will follow on Friday evening and throughout the weekend.
Not only is the tournament expected to benefit the youth educationally, but the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital will offer first-aid courses to participating teams. Paramedics will be on stand-by for all league matches.
Absolute Logistics also made an in-kind contribution, sponsoring referee kits, while Coca-Cola will provide refreshments for the opening games on Friday.
“We need to own youth football for it to develop. Technically, there is a lot of work that needs to be done,” Benjamin said.
A former professional football player and coach, Benjamin feels that personality development has not been given the attention it deserves.
Benjamin said they had the blessing of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) despite not being affiliated to the football body yet.
The NFA made it clear on national radio that it would not be possible for the national team coaches to select players from the youth league because it is not affiliated to the NFA.
In an earlier interview with Namibian Sun Benjamin said he was in no hurry to seek affiliation right away.
He said the focus would be on developing talent for now, and affiliation would be something for the future.
Orlando Pirates coach Woody Jacobs expressed joy about the start of the youth league.
Jacobs feels that it will improve the game and give premier league coaches the opportunity to scout for players.
“It is something very special and I would like to congratulate Benjamin and his team for coming up with such an initiative.
“This will definitely benefit many of the youth around the country and perhaps the coaches, if the Namibia Premier League ever starts,” Jacobs said.
Citizens FC coach Christy Guruseb shared the same views.
“It is something amazing for Namibian football, which is currently going through a hard time.
“We are happy that at least the youngsters will have a chance to play football on a regular basis,” Guruseb said.
* Additional reporting by hopsolscoccer
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
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