Youth league aims to build responsible young men…one five-a-side match at a time

On the Eros Park playground over the weekend, the focus was on the young men who play the game and the kind of men they are becoming as responsible citizens.

Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona addressed players, organisers and supporters at the opening of the MML Court League 2026 Season, urging them to see the tournament as more than football.

“Let us continue working together to build responsible young men, stronger communities and a brighter future for the City of Windhoek and our nation,” the mayor said.

The league runs under the theme ‘Building Responsible Young Men Through Sport, Discipline and Community’. Since 2014, the league has offered young people a platform for sport, recreation and community engagement through five-a-side football, bringing together players, supporters and residents.

Uunona commended the organisers for using grassroots sport to drive youth development, character building and social cohesion. 

He said the league equips young people with life skills such as discipline, teamwork, accountability, respect, perseverance, and leadership.

He also praised the league’s commitment to empowering the boy child by creating positive spaces where young men can develop their talents, build confidence and grow into responsible citizens. 

He encouraged participants to uphold integrity, respect women and girls, value education and contribute positively to their communities.

Speaking directly to the players, the mayor urged them to compete with determination and sportsmanship, respect one another and stay humble in both victory and defeat. 

He reminded them that success is measured not only by trophies and medals, but also by the character they show on and off the field.

Uunona stressed that raising responsible young men is a collective effort. 

He called on families, schools, faith-based organisations, community leaders, businesses and government institutions to keep providing mentorship, guidance and opportunities for young people.

He also acknowledged the organisers, sponsors, partners, families and supporters whose dedication has made the initiative a success. 

Community-driven programmes like the MML Court League, he said, promote healthy lifestyles, nurture talent and strengthen social bonds.

Uunona reaffirmed the City of Windhoek’s commitment to supporting programmes that empower young people, strengthen communities and help build an inclusive, safe and resilient city.

“We can change our future by supporting such programmes that would mould young men into better individuals and better human beings,” he said. 

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na

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