WINDHOEK, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cheers filled Windhoek's Independence Stadium on Sunday as Chinese businesses helped bring students from six institutions together for the first edition of the Khomas inter-tertiary solidarity football tournament.
Before kick-off, Namibian students from Yuan Jue Private School entertained players and guests with a display of traditional Chinese Kung Fu. Their deft footwork, powerful kicks and impressive sparring routines drew cheers and applause from the footballers, lifting spirits ahead of the competition.
Organized by the China Railway Seventh Group Namibia (Pty) Ltd., Tertiary Institutes Sports Association of Namibia and the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Namibia, the one-day tournament brought together teams from Triumphant College, the International University of Management, the University of Namibia (UNAM), the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek Vocational Training Center and Gobabis Vocational Training Center.
The competition culminated in a hard-fought final between UNAM and Gobabis, with Sakeus Iita scoring the only goal to secure the university's victory and the inaugural trophy.
"I feel happy. It's a good moment," Iita told Xinhua, crediting the win to his team's collective effort.
For him, the value of the tournament extended beyond the result. He welcomed the sponsorship, saying campus competitions could help students improve their skills and prepare to progress to Premier League teams.
That link between football and opportunity was also central to the message delivered by Irvine Ndjavera, deputy director for school sport development at Namibia's Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.
Speaking before kick-off, Ndjavera said friendship between Namibia and China was built through infrastructure cooperation, but also "through people, through the youth and through sports."
He thanked the sponsors, saying investment by a Chinese enterprise in Namibian student sport demonstrated confidence in the country's young people and their future.
The partnership also held the prospect of opportunities away from the pitch.
Khomas Governor Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma welcomed the organizers' commitment to opening doors for engineering and technical students through practical training and structured internships.
The tournament's purpose "does not end with a final whistle," he said.
Nujoma encouraged the partners to ensure that these placements provided meaningful skills transfer, equipping students with experience they could use long after individual construction projects were completed.
He said cooperation between educational institutions and businesses could help address graduate unemployment and contribute to Namibia's development goals.
On the field, players received medals and prizes amid celebrations as UNAM lifted the trophy, bringing the tournament's first edition to a close.
After the final, jubilant UNAM players eagerly drew Chinese staff volunteers from China Railway Seventh Group Namibia into group photos, saying, "We want to preserve this precious memory."
Ndjavera hoped the event would become an annual fixture and eventually expand to all regions of Namibia.
For Iita and his fellow students, that would mean another chance to compete, develop their skills and take their football ambitions beyond campus. ■
