On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the time had finally come: After intensive preparation and a long waitn our two Good Hope teams competed against Kijana Kwanza, an NGO from Moshi that provides a home for children and young people from difficult backgrounds.
Thanks to a generous donation from Dynamo Dresden. Our teams were equipped with high-quality sportswear including pants, polo shirts and training jackets in various designs and sizes. The highlight were yellow jerseys with the Dynamo logo which our players wore with pride during the match day. It was their first time on the pitch in their own jerseys – an experience that filled them with enthusiasm! Many thanks to Dynamo Dresden for this support which means a great deal to the children and young people!
The months of training have not only helped the participants to improve their sporting skills but have also provided them with structure, team spirit and new friendships. Especially in Njoro, a district of Moshi, where there are few leisure activities, the training provides a safe and meaningful activity. Instead of spending their time on the streets, the children and young people can pursue their passion for soccer and grow in a community.
Our teacher Hussein and a dedicated neighbor, Musa, lead the training and spend a lot of time with the participants.
The big day
At 12 noon, all the Kijana Kwanza and Good Hope players, coaches and referees gathered at the Good Hope grounds in Njoro. The Good Hope team prepared a delicious meal to fortify them before the game: Rice and beans, fresh salads and fruits. Each player was given a plate to give them enough energy for the day ahead.
The pitch was already prepared: The tent and music system were in place and the first guests were gathering on the sidelines, full of anticipation and energy. After a welcome from Madam Oliver, the founder of Good Hope, and a brief introduction of the players the first game began at 2pm. The players in this match were between 10 and 14 years old.
Plenty of water and refreshments were provided and glucose powder and bananas were handed out at half-time to keep the energy levels up. A presenter from the neighborhood set the mood, and the students from Good Hope had designed colorful posters with motivational slogans. The game ended with an exciting 0:0.
The young players were overjoyed to experience their first real game in front of supporters and fans. After a well-deserved break, the match for the 14 to 18-year-olds continued at 3:30 pm.
An exciting finale
The older players had trained intensively over the last few months and the crowd grew to over 100 people. The atmosphere was exuberant: The fans cheered loudly for the teams, clapped, danced and held up their colorful posters. The support of Good Hope and Kijana Kwanza filled the air with enthusiasm.
The second game ended with a win for Good Hope: our boys won 3:1 and were celebrated by the cheering crowd. After the final whistle everyone ran onto the pitch to congratulate the players.
The award ceremony was the grand finale: all players received medals and both teams were presented with trophies.
Thanks to all supporters
This unforgettable day would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Although the final score of the games was secondary. The focus was on bringing two NGOs together, the sense of community and the joy of the game. Good Hope is looking forward to organizing more tournaments or match days in the future to promote exchange with other NGOs and gain new sporting experiences. Everyone involved is grateful for this special event!