Help the Namibian child
Young football academy owner Uusiku Reinhold has a dream of producing top footballers and turning them into global stars.
13 January 2021 | Sports
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
WINDHOEK
Deep in the dusty streets of Havana lies a football dream rooted in the minds of young passionate boys and their coach, Uusiku Reinhold. Wearing old pants with a photo and certificate in his hand, Reinhold (24) walked all the way from Havana to Eros to bring the news of his academy to the attention of the public. Reinhold, who owns the Tjikuzu Football Club named after Brave Warriors legend Razundara Tjikuzu, has struggled to get any funding to help youngsters.
Many of the players walk to the dusty field in Havana, showing up at the pitch with a hungry stomach as families struggle to make a decent living in the informal settlements.
Most of them come from shacks without electricity, proper water and sanitation. Still, they show up to a place and a sport code they believe will one day uplift them from a difficult life.
Next Ronaldo
“They want to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo or the next Deon Hotto,” Reinhold said.
The academy is host to about 90 aspiring under-13 and 15 footballers who all want to play professional football one day.
“I established the academy in 2018 with the aim of helping the young boys to advance their skills and become professionals.
“We normally hold our practice sessions at the Havana Soccer field during the week.
“Things have been a bit difficult, however, because we do not even have playing or training gear,” Reinhold said.
The academy founder is therefore pleading for help from good Samaritans to assist him with gear and sponsorship.
“We did have old jerseys the boys used to play with, but they are no longer usable.”
Non-profit
“This is a non-profit football academy because I do not collect any money from these boys given that they are unable to afford paying for it.
“That is why I would appreciate anyone or any company that joins me in a bid to keep the dreams of these boys alive,” Reinhold said.
Uusiku can be contacted at 081 870 7869.
WINDHOEK
Deep in the dusty streets of Havana lies a football dream rooted in the minds of young passionate boys and their coach, Uusiku Reinhold. Wearing old pants with a photo and certificate in his hand, Reinhold (24) walked all the way from Havana to Eros to bring the news of his academy to the attention of the public. Reinhold, who owns the Tjikuzu Football Club named after Brave Warriors legend Razundara Tjikuzu, has struggled to get any funding to help youngsters.
Many of the players walk to the dusty field in Havana, showing up at the pitch with a hungry stomach as families struggle to make a decent living in the informal settlements.
Most of them come from shacks without electricity, proper water and sanitation. Still, they show up to a place and a sport code they believe will one day uplift them from a difficult life.
Next Ronaldo
“They want to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo or the next Deon Hotto,” Reinhold said.
The academy is host to about 90 aspiring under-13 and 15 footballers who all want to play professional football one day.
“I established the academy in 2018 with the aim of helping the young boys to advance their skills and become professionals.
“We normally hold our practice sessions at the Havana Soccer field during the week.
“Things have been a bit difficult, however, because we do not even have playing or training gear,” Reinhold said.
The academy founder is therefore pleading for help from good Samaritans to assist him with gear and sponsorship.
“We did have old jerseys the boys used to play with, but they are no longer usable.”
Non-profit
“This is a non-profit football academy because I do not collect any money from these boys given that they are unable to afford paying for it.
“That is why I would appreciate anyone or any company that joins me in a bid to keep the dreams of these boys alive,” Reinhold said.
Uusiku can be contacted at 081 870 7869.
Classifieds