With schools in the Tsumkwe Constituency not participating in organised sports competitions, Tsumkwe Constituency Councillor Petrus Mutjie organised a friendly football match between the Tsumkwe Secondary School team and a community team to keep learners active and fit.

The councillor, a former teacher who also played for the community team, said the match aimed to develop the football talent he has observed among the learners. He noted that learners from the Tsumkwe Constituency are often outplayed when they compete in larger towns due to a lack of regular training, support, and resources.“I remember when I was a teacher, this was the time we used to start with winter sports in the NSSU Sports League. In towns, people are training, and teams are playing in leagues where schoolboys also participate, which is not the case here in Tsumkwe. That is why I thought it would be a good thing to bring our boys together so that we can have matches and train with them over the weekends,” Mutjie said.

Mutjie further called on the Namibia Football Association (NFA) to introduce a Third Division Football League in the Tsumkwe Constituency to create competitive opportunities for local players to develop their skills.

On the pitch, the school team defeated the community side 3-1. Following the match, the councillor awarded the winning team N$800 for their efforts, adding that these friendly matches are intended to keep learners fit and prepared for future tournaments in the constituency.

Some of the school team players shared their reactions after the final whistle.“I am really happy because we won N$800 and my boys played well,” school team captain and defender Tjandinti Vehanguara said.“During the holiday it was boring because we did not play soccer. Some of us like playing soccer, and it was very boring,” school team goalkeeper Alfred Undjijama added.

Looking ahead, the councillor plans to organise similar matches with other secondary schools in the constituency, including Mangetti Dune Combined School and Gam Combined School.

The nbcSPORT team could not reach the Tsumkwe Constituency Sports Officer for comment on the area's sports development plan.