In brief
On Sunday, Nov. 9, 2026, Chinese firms sponsored the first Khomas inter‑tertiary solidarity football tournament at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium. Six Namibian academic institutions competed after a Chinese Kung‑Fu showcase. UNAM’s Sakeus Iita won the final, a moment he celebrated as a collective effort. Officials highlighted the event’s role in strengthening Namibia‑China friendship, offering internships and a path toward national leagues.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, 2026, Chinese businesses helped bring students from six Namibian institutions together for the first Khomas inter‑tertiary solidarity football tournament, held at Independence Stadium in Windhoek, Xinhua reported.
Kickoff and Cultural Showcase
Before kick‑off, students from Yuan Jue Private School entertained the crowd with a traditional Chinese Kung ‑Fu display that stunned the footballers and spectators, the report said. The combination of martial arts and sport aimed to lift spirits before the competition.
Participants and Organizers
The one‑day event drew teams from Triumphant College, the International University of Management, the University of Namibia (UNAM), Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek Vocational Training Center and Gobabis Vocational Training Center, according to Xinhua. Organizers included China Railway Seventh Group Namibia (Pty) Ltd., the Tertiary Institutes Sports Association of Namibia and the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Namibia.
The tournament culminated in a hard‑fought final between UNAM and Gobabis. UNAM’s striker Sakeus Iita netted the only goal, lifting his university to the inaugural trophy.
"I feel happy. It’s a good moment," Iita told Xinhua, crediting the win to his team's collective effort.He said that campus competitions could help students improve their skills and prepare to progress to Premier League teams.
Before the match, Irvine Ndjavera, deputy director for school sport development at Namibia’s Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, said that friendship with China is built not just through infrastructure projects but also “through people, through the youth and through sports.” He thanked the Chinese sponsors for demonstrating confidence in Namibia’s young people and their future.
Khomas Governor Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma welcomed the organisers’ commitment to opening doors for engineering and technical students, noting that the partnership would create practical training and structured internships. “The tournament’s purpose does not end with a final whistle,” Nujoma said, emphasizing the long‑term benefits beyond the pitch.
The event not only showcased athletic talent but also highlighted future plans for annual sporting fixtures across Namibia, internships and skill transfer between Chinese and Namibian institutions, Xinhua added. The collaboration is seen as a tangible expression of China‑Namibia friendship and a platform for student development.
