Old Mutual Street Sports expands as participation grows across Namibia

Football and netball
Old Mutual Street Sports Namibia continues to grow, with increased participation in Swakopmund and opportunities for players, netball teams and entrepreneurs across four locations.
Brian Munango
  • 6 Hours Ago

Old Mutual Street Sports Namibia is gaining momentum, with its Swakopmund league growing from six teams in its first edition to 12 teams in Edition 3.

Etienne Raymond, organiser of the Swakopmund league, said the growth was encouraging, particularly in football, where the standard of competition continued to improve.

“We grew from the first edition, where we had six teams, and we are now at 12 teams. So it is growing fast,” Raymond said.

He added that netball was also growing, although at a slower pace than football. Increased participation prompted organisers to move matches to Anganani Park, which he described as an exciting development.


Swakopmund: Growing teams and talent

Raymond said the quality of football had improved with every edition and encouraged scouts and agents to attend matches to identify emerging talent.

Participants also have access to the Beyond Boss programme, which aims to help them explore opportunities to build their futures.

Although technical difficulties affected plans to broadcast all matches live during the latest round, organisers intend to improve coverage as the competition builds towards the finals, scheduled for two weeks after the latest round.


Windhoek: Strengthening community sport

Windhoek remains one of the programme’s active locations, providing opportunities for community members to compete in football and netball.

The initiative also encourages local businesses and vendors to participate, creating opportunities beyond the sporting competitions.

Raymond said the progress across the different locations demonstrated the potential of the initiative to bring communities together through sport.


Ongwediva: Expanding opportunities

In Ongwediva, the programme provides players with opportunities to compete, develop their skills and become part of a wider community sporting network.

The initiative’s expansion into northern Namibia is part of its broader effort to encourage participation and create platforms for emerging talent.


Ondangwa: Call for northern talent

Old Mutual Street Sports Namibia has also started hosting matches in Ondangwa, extending its reach in the north.

Raymond urged aspiring players and teams in the region to register and showcase their abilities.

“We know there is lots of talent there. You guys love football in the north, so please prove it by signing up for Old Mutual Street Sports,” he said.

Organisers are keen to see more northern teams participate and hope to experience the competitions in the region first-hand.


Unlocking potential through sport

Beyond football and netball, Old Mutual Street Sports Namibia aims to promote community participation, talent development and entrepreneurship.

Raymond invited residents, businesses and aspiring players to get involved, emphasising that the initiative seeks to help people unlock their potential.

The programme is active in Swakopmund, Windhoek, Ongwediva and Ondangwa, with organisers focused on growing participation and improving the experience for teams and supporters.