Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN 2015, a Dutch volunteer named Siam Jaap walked into the Homeless World Cup football tournament and left with a life long connection to Zimbabwe.
After bonding with the Homeless World Cup Zimbabwe team, Jaap’s dedication grew far beyond that tournament — he became a pillar of hope, support and transformation.
Over the years, Jaap has tirelessly fundraised to ensure Zimbabwe’s team can compete at the tournament, breaking barriers for players who dream of representing their nation.
Beyond financial support, Jaap has over the years provided crucial psychosocial support to players, many of whom face overwhelming emotions during the high-pressure tournament.
His presence reminds them they’re never alone.
In 2018, his unwavering commitment was celebrated when Young Achievement Sports for Development officially named him part of Team Zimbabwe at every Homeless World Cup — a testament to his heart belonging to this community.
“Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD) is proud to collaborate with change makers like Jaap, whose compassion and action prove that sport transcends borders. Together, we’re not just changing games — we’re changing lives.
“Join us in Oslo, Norway, this August as we celebrate this extraordinary bond!” YASD wrote on their Facebook wall yesterday.
They are under the leadership of one of their founding members, Petros Chatiza.
Jaap said his association with YASD and Team Zimbabwe at the Homeless World Cup has changed his life “completely.”
“I am so proud to be part of Homeless World Cup Zimbabwe Young Achievement Sports for Development.
“You all changed my life completely . . . with my Zimbabwean family, Oslo, be prepared,” Jaap said.
The Homeless World Cup Foundation confirmed that the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup will take place from August 23 to August 30.
After the successful Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup, attention now turns to the Norwegian capital, host city of the 20th edition of the Homeless World Cup.
The tournament will be held at the iconic Rådhusplassen (City Hall Square) and will be organised alongside member country Norway, which is represented by The Salvation Army.
Meanwhile, teams from eight nations will next month travel to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, to compete over two days for the second ever Africa Women’s Cup.
The 4-a-side street football tournament took place for the first time in June 2024 in Arusha, Tanzania.
Teams from Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe took part in the first edition of the tournament.
Uganda became the inaugural champions after beating hosts Tanzania in the final 6-1.
The second Africa Women’s Cup will take place in Nairobi on June 28-29.
The event will be co-hosted by the Homeless World Cup Foundation and Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP).
The tournament is part of a collaborative project with the FIFA Foundation and four delivery partners.
Teams from eight nations will travel to Kenyan capital, Nairobi, to compete over two days for the second ever Africa Women’s Cup.
The Africa Women’s Cup is part of a two-year collaborative project between the Homeless World Cup Foundation, the FIFA Foundation, and four national delivery partners, which all represent Homeless World Cup Member Countries: Vijana Amani Pamoja (Kenya), Future Stars Academy (Tanzania), Bauleni United Sports Academy (Zambia), and Young Achievement Sports for Development (Zimbabwe).
The project “Football to Protect Vulnerable Women from Exploitation” started in December 2023 and will run until December 2025.
Together with the four delivery partners, the project has developed a new curriculum to educate both men and women, as well as young girls and boys, on gender-based violence and gender equality.
The programme uses football as a key engagement tool, which helps to break down barriers and reduce stigma when tackling such a sensitive subject.
The curriculum has been introduced in all four delivery partner countries, with hundreds of people already benefiting from the newly established programme.
Kenya is the regional hub for the project and a fitting place to hold the second Africa Women’s Cup.
Nancy Wawaru, Project Regional Hub Manager and Head of Programmes at Vijana Amani Pamoja, said, “Given the alarming statistics we’re seeing today. Now more than ever, we must come together through the power of sports to empower women and ignite conversations that challenge norms surrounding gender-based violence. By using this space, we can work towards a safer future for women.”
The Africa Women’s Cup tournament is a highlight of the programme for the participants, giving them the unique opportunity to represent their country at an international tournament.
For many of the players, it is their first chance to travel outside their country and experience a new culture.
Rutendo Kuseka, who represented Zimbabwe at the Africa Women’s Cup 2024 in Arusha, Tanzania, said, “I think we have a different perception about what homelessness is, and yet it’s just a group of people coming together to showcase how best they can have fun and leave those sorrows and stresses back home. This has been wonderful and welcoming and world-changing for me personally.”
