Unmatched Passion

Tijua, Namibia

Goal Click and UNICEF UK collaborated on a series that highlights the impact that Soccer Aid for UNICEF has on children around the world. In Namibia, the Galz & Goals program uses football as a tool for social development and to prepare Namibia’s girls for a better future. Galz & Goals is a partnership between the Namibia Football Association and UNICEF. It empowers girls aged 10-15 to make healthy choices. Through their engagement in football, girls’ vulnerability to HIV infection, teenage pregnancy, school dropout and alcohol abuse is minimised as they acquire valuable skills and knowledge to make informed life choices both on and off the field of play. Tjiua, 15, has been part of the program since 2022.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football journey?

My name is Kihatjivan (Tjiua) Tjapaka. I am 15 years of age and from Windhoek, Namibia, where I live with my mom and younger brother. I started playing in the Galz & Goals program last year and we play in the Women’s Super League. I was introduced to the program through my coach. It has been a good experience so far to play football with friends who eventually become family. 

Playing football has been a dream for me since I was a small girl and I started playing football at the age of nine. At this time, I was staying with my aunty and she would stop me from playing football because I used to play with my brother. Most of the people I grew up with were boys and that was the only sport we played. I never stopped playing and she eventually got over it. She is now happy about me playing football.

What did you try to capture with your photos? Was there a wider meaning with the photos? 

The photos were taken during practice at Namibia Football House and at school. In the photos are my teammates and in particular one of them that I grew up with, Urimojao. Some of my teammates are my role models, because of the qualities they carry and the good football they play. 

I wanted to capture the good moments we share as a team. The good laughter and good vibe we share. It is always a good time with my mates. And I am happy I have them on my team. I want our potential to be seen out there, the good qualities we have as young upcoming footballers. Everyone is well mannered, hard working, and the football they play impresses me.

Why is football so important to you and your community? Why do you think it is important for women and girls to play football?

Football means so much to me. The passion I have for soccer is so unmatched, plus it helps me physically and promotes good health too. In the community I think football improves society, as it promotes discipline, teamwork, and mutual support. 

For some women football is important because it builds their self-confidence, improves their mental health and physical health.

What impact has UNICEF and the Galz & Goals program had on you and your community? Why is the Galz & Goals project important to you?

I got a chance to play in the biggest league in our country. UNICEF and the Galz & Goals program gave me hope in pursuing my dream in football. They keep a lot of girls off the streets and help them realise that football can be played by anyone, whether you are a boy or a girl. Football helps us stay off the streets and in school. It also helps us with teamwork and discipline. 

What ambitions do you have for the future? 

I want to learn as much as I can and grow, to travel to places and countries I have never been before. I would love to go to London, Paris, and the USA. London is my dream place. I have always dreamt of going there one day and pursuing my dreams of becoming a professional football player. Paris I would love to visit to see the beautiful buildings it has and the Eiffel Tower. The USA looks like a beautiful country as I see it in photos and movies and I would love to visit the beautiful country as well.

There was a time I thought of wanting to become an animal doctor, but that changed because I am more interested in becoming a professional football player. That is the dream. I love football with all of my heart and I hope one day my dreams will come true....