The Vision2Africa scouting programme, held from Sunday to Tuesday at the Ramblers Sports Club in Windhoek, attracted athletes aged 13 to 22 from schools and clubs across the country. The initiative aims to identify and develop football talent in Southern Africa by linking players to scholarship opportunities at American universities, allowing them to effectively combine education with elite sport.

Vision2Africa CEO Sali Mugala, himself a product of the scholarship system, explained that the programme was introduced to provide a pathway that previously did not exist in the local market."For us to come to Namibia was a blessing. The encouragement is mostly to change lives and create opportunities for the kids," Mugala stated. "I know that this has never happened in Namibia, so for us coming here was really to give that opportunity. I was exactly in the same shoes as them—got scouted, went to America, graduated, and did my master's. I wanted to give back to the community and impact lives; that is why I created Vision2Africa."

Local coach Jandjamuje Maharero welcomed the initiative, noting that while the competition was stiff, the scouting process revealed a significant amount of untapped potential."The players are doing very well and competing. We have identified a few players that we really like and we've seen a lot of talent that we didn't know existed," Maharero noted. "We also have raw talent that needs to be polished. We want to refine these players for the next season when Vision2Africa comes to Namibia again."

For the participants, the programme represents a rare opportunity to advance their athletic and academic careers on an international stage."It's a great feeling. This is the first edition of Vision2Africa in Namibia, so it's quite an opportunity for us young student-athletes," said Milco Solunga. Tutunga Nghiwelelekwa added, "Many players don't get this opportunity, especially here in Namibia. Them coming to us and giving us the chance to go study in the US is very good."

Among the participants was Letisha Shikongo, who travelled from Walvis Bay as the only female player in the programme. Despite the gender gap, she embraced the challenge of competing at a high level."I feel at home because I’m already used to playing with guys since my childhood, but competing alone with guys is very tough for me. But I'm proud of myself," Shikongo shared.

The final list of selected players, who will have the opportunity to study and compete in the United States, will be announced at a later stage. The programme continues to emphasize the vital link between sport and education in providing life-changing opportunities for young athletes.