By: Peneyambeko Jonas
Football is proving to be more than a competition.
It has become an important outlet for dealing with the psychological demands of law enforcement, where long hours, exposure to difficult situations and the pressure of protecting the public can weigh on officers.
This was highlighted by Oshana Nampol centre-back John Nghuuhange following the team’s victory in the men’s football category at the 29th Police Championship, held in Swakopmund from 18 to 28 August.
Nghuuhange told The Villager Newspaper during the team’s celebration last Friday that the championship provided an opportunity for officers to step away from the pressures of their daily duties and focus on their wellbeing.
“The law enforcement environment can be draining, but sports is one of our motivations for mental health,” he said.
Nghuuhange explained that “We work in a very stressful environment, and sports support our wellness and help us relieve our minds from the workload.”
His comments place the team’s success in a broader context, where sporting activities are not only about physical fitness or winning medals, but also about giving officers a healthy way to manage work-related pressure.
Nghuuhange said the team’s management recognised the importance of preparing players both physically and psychologically. Training included morning, evening and weekend sessions, gym workouts and psychological support.
He said the approach helped players develop the mindset required to compete against other police regions while dealing with the pressures associated with their profession.
The mental-health component accompanied a successful campaign for Oshana, which finished first overall in athletics and won gold in men’s football after 16 years of participating in the police championship.
In football, Oshana defeated Kavango East 1-0, drew 1-1 with Kunene and beat Otjozondjupa 3-1 in the group stage. They went on to defeat Ohangwena 3-1 in the quarter-finals and Hardap 3-1 in the semi-finals.
The final saw Oshana meet Kunene again, with the match decided on penalties. Oshana won 5-4 to claim the title.
Team manager Victor Valdez Nghilengwa told Eagle Media House that the result reflected the commitment and discipline of the players, technical team and management throughout the tournament.
For Nghuuhange, however, the significance of the victory extends beyond the trophy.
He said the team had always possessed the talent to compete, but reaching the final stage had proved difficult over the years.
“It has been 16 years without us winning. The talent has been there, but there has been a challenge to reach the finishing line,” he said.
The team’s preparations were also supported by businessman Banda Shilimela, who sponsored a cow to help provide food for the players during their trip to Swakopmund.
Shilimela told The Villager Newspaper that physical fitness is essential for police officers because their work requires them to remain active and respond to demanding situations.
“Police officers run up and down the streets chasing criminals and ensuring our safety. A police officer needs to be fit, and that can only be supported through sport,” he said.
Following the championship, the Oshana Nampol team received N$26,000 from various businesspeople in recognition of their performance.
While the financial rewards and gold medal marked the end of a successful tournament, the experience also demonstrated how organised sport can create space for police officers to exercise, connect with colleagues and temporarily step away from the pressures of law enforcement.
For Oshana Nampol, the championship was therefore not only a sporting achievement, but also a reminder that keeping officers mentally and physically well is part of supporting them in the demanding work they do.
This version makes mental wellbeing the first and last point, with the football victory serving as the evidence and context rather than the main story.
penny@eaglefm.com.na
