Swakop duo embark on FC Bayern football adventure 

Two 14-year-old footballers from the SFC Swakopmund Youth Academy, Avoury Pinkie Amamub and Caleb Sissing, are experiencing a football adventure of a lifetime after travelling to Germany to attend a 10-day FC Bayern Munich football camp.

The youngsters travelled to Munich with the support of Dein Ball für Namibia (DBFN), continuing a partnership that has created international opportunities for young Namibian footballers.

For Pinkie and Caleb, the trip is about more than simply attending a football camp. It is an opportunity to experience professional football in one of the world’s most famous football environments while gaining valuable lessons both on and off the pitch.

According to DBFN founder and chairperson Tony Arjen Daugals, this is the third consecutive year that young players from SFC Swakopmund Youth Academy have travelled to Germany for the FC Bayern experience.

“The FC Bayern training camp has once again been a fantastic opportunity for young footballers from Namibia. This is now the third year in a row that we have travelled to Germany with youth players from SFC Swakopmund Youth Academy, and every year we see just how much these experiences can mean to the young players,” Daugals said.

This year, Pinkie and Caleb were selected to represent SFC and have had the opportunity to train in a professional environment associated with one of the biggest clubs in world football.

Putting on the FC Bayern training kit, stepping onto the club’s training pitches and learning from experienced coaches has been a particularly special experience for the two youngsters.

However, the German trip has gone beyond football. The boys have also taken part in a stadium tour, experienced the atmosphere surrounding FC Bayern and met people who have supported their journey.

One of the most memorable moments came when they met German international and FC Bayern player Jonathan Tah. For two young footballers who have watched and admired him on television, meeting the defender in person was an unforgettable experience.

The boys also had the opportunity to meet sponsors and supporters, allowing them to understand the important role played by those who invest in and support their development.

Daugals said the partnership between SFC and DBFN is focused on creating opportunities for young Namibian players that they may otherwise never experience.

“It is not simply about sending players overseas to play football. It is about education through sport, personal development, cultural exchange and showing young people what can be achieved when talent, commitment and the right support come together,” he said.

The first days in Germany have been filled with excitement, learning and new experiences. Although Pinkie and Caleb were initially nervous, they quickly settled into their new surroundings and embraced the opportunity.

They have worked hard during training sessions, listened to their coaches, made new friends and represented SFC and Namibia with pride.

Daugals said it has been particularly rewarding to see the youngsters grow beyond the football pitch as they experience a different culture, meet new people and learn how professional football operates at the highest level.

For SFC and DBFN, the ultimate goal is to inspire young Namibian footballers to dream bigger and believe that their talent, hard work and dedication can open doors beyond Namibia.

“We are extremely grateful to FC Bayern, our sponsors, supporters and the families who trust us with their children. Without their support, opportunities like this would not be possible,” Daugals said.

For Pinkie and Caleb, the memories created in Munich will remain with them long after they return home, while the lessons learned could become an important part of their football and personal development.

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