'Professor’s' dedication to saving youth
Juggling a full-time job and a youth sports initiative
For the past twenty years, Hesekiel Awene Iyambo has worked for the British High Commission as a security guard while he has dedicated the past ten years to coaching a community soccer team.
Hesekiel Awene Iyambo, referred to as ‘Professor’ by his colleagues because of his love and passion for imparting and sharing knowledge with everyone he encounters, juggles two jobs. The Oshikoto native has been employed by the British High Commission (BHC) as a security guard for nearly two decades and has been coaching a community soccer team, Havana City, for over a decade. "Being a security officer is a role I fulfil with immense pride; the same goes for being the father of my three children in an extended family where I am the primary caregiver," he said.
Iyambo has witnessed how sports allow youth to focus their energy on more productive and healthier activities. It was this that inspired and spurred his passion to impart knowledge and coach a team of various age categories where players could join. He indicated that he is most proud of the under-17 category. "Young people in our community are most predisposed to serious violence and gang exploitation. Targeted sports initiatives like our football club mitigate the likelihood of this happening."
Juggling jobs and keeping afloat
When asked about how he juggles his full-time job on a security detail and making sure the youngsters in his community do not fall prey and affiliate themselves with gang activities, he said: "We mostly train on weekends and make prior schedules around major competitions. I can balance my two roles rather effectively."
He added that his employers at BHC are very supportive of the work he does with the community club, and he has been able to stay steadfast this long with their support.
The African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ resonates well with their cause, as their community’s utmost support has kept their initiative afloat. "The community is paramount to the success of our team. Without the parents who support our initiatives, we would not be able to function," said Iyambo. They also welcome all kinds of financial assistance and sponsorships from good Samaritans who believe in their cause. Testimony to this is when they recently received a donation of team kits from Warrington Football Club in the United Kingdom in February.
The vision
Iyambo envisions his community soccer initiative producing adept soccer players capable of winning domestic leagues, playing for the national team and pursuing careers abroad. "I want to see players we groomed get such opportunities to be able to provide for their families and the community at large." Although not immune to challenges, he always gives his best and puts teamwork at the forefront by involving his colleagues in his work.
Iyambo admitted that despite sometimes struggling to stay upbeat and motivated about what he does and the impact he has on those around him, his passion for sports outweighs it all. "I am fortunate to play an active role as a coach for the Havana football team. Youth empowerment through sports is my dream, and I will continue to coach the future generations to come."