The Golden Oldies Football Club, a team of over 60-year-old football players, is in need of funding to travel to South Africa and compete in a friendly match against South African football legends.
The team, which will be made up of veterans from all 14 regions, is planning to host trials next month to select the players who will make the trip. The organiser and chairman of the Golden Oldies, John Ramakhuta, said they want all veteran players above the age of 60 to compete in the national trials.
According to Ramakhuta, the tournament is motivated by the desire to encourage healthy living among people in Namibia.
“We are the old generation, and we want to encourage healthy living, so we are calling on all former players who are actively training to contact us to be part of this initiative. I believe keeping fit is the only way forward – and if we can show our youngsters the importance of keeping fit, we can achieve a lot in Namibia,” he said.
The trip is scheduled for March this year, but the team is facing a significant obstacle in terms of funding.
Ramakhuta emphasised the money to enable the team to travel to Upington is standing in their way, and they are appealing to corporate companies and the nation at large to assist in any way possible to make the trip possible.
“We would need a total of N$120 000 in total to cover all the costs, such as food, accommodation and transport to Upington. We are calling on the corporate world as well the nation at large to assist to ensure the trip happens,” he added.
The Golden Oldies Football Club was formed 15 years ago, and it caters to players above 60.
Those interested in the trials can contact the chairman at +264 81 2883 3635 and +264 81 334 4295.
The deadline for entry is on 30 December.
The Golden Oldies Football Club is a testament to the enduring love for the game of football and the determination to keep playing, regardless of age.
The team hopes to showcase this spirit to the world and inspire others to keep active and healthy.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na