Germany under 17 soccer team visits Namibia

The Westphalia U/17 soccer team from Germany is currently touring Namibia until 6 April 2026, in a visit aimed at promoting youth development, cultural exchange, and strengthening long-standing ties between the two countries.

The tour kicked off with an opening match against the Erongo Regional team at the Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay, where spectators were treated to an exciting and competitive encounter.

Speaking during the visit, German coach Holger Ballinghof, who is part of the delegation from the German Football Association, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to return to Namibia.

“We are very happy to be here,” he said. “There has been a strong friendship between the football associations for more than 30 years, and it is always a pleasure to come back.”

Ballinghof, who previously visited Namibia two years ago, noted significant improvements in local facilities. “The pitch today was excellent. It made for a very good game,” he said.

While football remains central to the tour, the team is also taking part in a range of cultural and community activities. These include visits to the German Embassy, a partner primary school where they donated gifts, as well as leisure experiences such as camel riding and a safari.

On the field, the German side faced a determined Erongo Regional team, ultimately securing a narrow 3-2 victory. Despite the result, Ballinghof praised the Namibian players for their performance.

“They played very good football, with strong running ability and great fighting spirit,” he said. “It was a tough match, and we are happy with the win.”

He also noted that adapting to Namibia’s warmer climate has been a challenge for the visiting players, who are used to much cooler conditions back home.

The German team is expected to continue their tour with additional matches, including a fixture against Namibia scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.

“We wish the regional team all the best for their upcoming regional championship,” Ballinghof added. “We look forward to the next games and to enjoying the rest of our stay in Namibia.”