In a heart-warming act of generosity and unity, former students of the University of Namibia’s Neudamm Campus have come together to donate a brand-new soccer kit to the Neudamm Soccer Team, a gift that goes far beyond the field.
The initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Hiskia Athingo, Head Coach of the UNAM Neudamm Soccer Team, alongside Mr. Shiningayamwe and Dr. Kuume, who mobilised fellow alumni to support the team. The group of generous donors, includes Mr. Mauricio, Mr. Hitamuka, Mr. Kavari, Mr. Kandambo, Dr. Tjindunda, Ms. Gina, Mr. Hausiku, Mr. Silawa, Ms. Haidula, Dr. Kapimbua, and Dr. Nghinamito, all sharing one thing in common: deep pride in their Neudamm roots.
“I’ve been coaching the Neudamm Soccer Team for nearly two years, and I was once part of this very squad during my student days,” said Mr. Athingo, “Many of the alumni who contributed were also former players or passionate supporters of the sport,” he explained. He further added: “The inspiration behind this initiative comes from a shared sense of gratitude and belonging. Neudamm shaped who we are today, not only academically, but also in terms of discipline and teamwork. We used to play with mismatched outfits and still held our heads high. Seeing the current generation carry that same spirit inspired us to give back, to say, we see you, we’ve been there, and through teamwork, we can achieve anything we put our minds to.”
The official handover took place early October at the Neudamm Campus, attended by Mr. Joel Muzanima, a lecturer and fellow alumnus, and Mr. Augustinus Kandjimi, Student Support Officer from the Directorate of Student Affairs, who received the kit on behalf of the University. In her absence, Prof. Ndeyapo Nickanor, Executive Dean and Neudamm Campus Director, extended her appreciation to the alumni for their generosity.
For the players, the new kit represents much more than uniformity. It’s a symbol of pride, legacy, and identity. “A proper kit might seem like a small thing,” Athingo added, “but to the players, it represents pride and recognition. When they step onto the field wearing the same colours, it builds confidence, unity and a sense of purpose. The players now carry a stronger identity -they’re not just representing Neudamm, they’re continuing a legacy.”
Neudamm soccer team captain Nguvitjita Tjatindi, a first year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine student echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The new kit gives my teammates and I a sense of gratitude and appreciation for what our predecessors have done for us. Being one of the first to wear this kit gives us pride in representing Neudamm and our sport-loving community. This initiative unites us as we represent the badge and the name on our backs with passion and commitment.”
He also reflected on past challeges: “Before this donation, we often had to borrow kits for tournaments. Last year, we played at the Cultural Festival Tournament without a proper kit, just different coloured shirts. But we never gave up.” His message to the alumni was heartfelt: “Your efforts are not in vain. We are more motivated than ever to carry on the love you have for Neudamm and leave it all on the field.”
The initiative, fittingly themed “Ploughing Back, Growing Together,” captures the true spirit of the Neudamm community one that values giving back, nurturing talent, and growing together. While the campus continues to seek more sporting resources, including volleyballs, nets, and training equipment, this gesture has already sown powerful seeds of pride and belonging.
