Windhoek: The Leo-United Football Academy in the Tondoro Constituency of the Kavango West Region on Wednesday led a youth crime prevention drive at Mukekete village. The event saw members of the Namibian Police Force address young players and other youth from the community about topics such as discipline and substance abuse.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Leo-United Chairperson Stefanus Nambara said they are committed to ensuring that young players stay away from harmful activities. 'We invited the Namibian Police to talk to them about criminal activities. We want to fight crime through sports. This is a time when young people mingle and face peer pressure with too much free time, especially now that they are on holiday. We also want to prevent alcohol abuse and unsafe road behaviour,' he said.

Warrant Officer Immanuel Shikwamanda told the young players that discipline is the ticket to success and that even minors face legal procedures that can permanently derail a promising sports career. 'If your friends report you, you will be arrested. There is a legal procedure for those who commit crimes while they are under 18 years of age, and that will lead to your future in football being destroyed. Alcohol is not to be used by those under 18. If you drink, you end up fighting and injuring others because you are drunk,' he said.

Shikwamanda also warned that drugs are illegal. 'Once you are caught, you will be arrested. It destroys young people. You start seeing things that are not there, you talk to yourself and you even fight your own parents. From today, report those who are giving you these things (drugs),' he stated.

Village elder Phillip Kakondo welcomed the initiative, saying it would contribute to reducing criminal activities. Kakondo cautioned the boys against loitering along local roads at night and warned them against trespassing or entering fields with the intention of stealing.

Leo-United captain Kalistus Ndumba urged his teammates to prioritise their education and sport over risky behaviour and called on his fellow players to support one another in refusing drugs and alcohol. The academy has 50 registered players.