SFC Swakopmund Sport Club youngster Ilenkuye Wandjiva has returned to Namibia after spending approximately four and a half weeks in Italy, where he trained and played with different football clubs as part of an international development opportunity facilitated by Dein Ball Fur Namibia (DBFN).
The trip exposed the young footballer to different coaching methods, tactical approaches and a faster pace of play, giving him valuable lessons to apply as he continues his development at SFC Academy.
Wandjiva said the experience challenged him to improve his decision-making, discipline and understanding of the game, particularly when under pressure.
“It was great but also tough. In Italy the training is so fast, you must think quickly. In Namibia we train hard too, but in Italy everything is faster and more tactical. No time to relax on the ball,” he said.
He identified his first touch, movement off the ball and ability to make quicker decisions as the areas in which he improved the most during the programme.
The young player also recalled a friendly match against an Italian academy as one of the highlights of his stay, saying the intensity of the game gave him an opportunity to test his abilities in a different football environment.
Beyond improving his technical skills, Wandjiva said the experience reinforced the importance of communication and teamwork, lessons he intends to share with his teammates back home.
“I will try to train the way I trained in Italy, with more focus and intensity. And I will help my teammates too, like showing them how to move and communicate more,” he said.
Wandjiva hopes to build on the experience as he pursues his ambition of becoming a professional footballer, representing Namibia and potentially playing in Europe.
The opportunity was facilitated by DBFN, a non-profit organisation focused on creating development opportunities for young Namibian footballers. According to its founder, Tony Daugals, the initiative was made possible through a donation from Finch and an arrangement involving the Soccer Dream Academy in South Africa.
Daugals said the initiative was driven by the belief that talented young players should have opportunities to develop regardless of their financial circumstances.
“At DBFN, we believe that every talented young footballer deserves the opportunity to develop, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. Our mission goes beyond football; it is about creating opportunities, opening doors and helping young people realise their potential,” he said.
The four-week programme offered Wandjiva exposure to different Italian clubs, training methods and coaching philosophies, while allowing him to adapt to unfamiliar playing environments and compete against new standards.
Daugals said international exposure could help young Namibian footballers understand what is required to progress to higher levels, particularly when opportunities to train abroad remain limited by financial constraints.
He added that the value of such programmes depended on how players used the lessons they gained after returning home.
“Of course, one trip alone does not guarantee a professional football career. What matters is how players use what they have learned when they return home. Our hope is that Ileni will continue to develop, share his experiences and inspire other young players to believe in their own potential,” Daugals said.
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