“KICK FOR HOPE” | 19 – 28 DECEMBER 2025 | BONADIKOMBO, MILE 4, LIMBE, CAMEROON
It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of achievement that Rising Hope Foundation for Change in collaboration with Rising Hope Sports Academy presents this official report on the 3rd Edition of the Football (Ndamba) for Peace and Sustainable Development tournament, held under the inspiring theme, “Kick for Hope.” From the 19th to the 28th of December 2025, at the National Comprehensive School Field Limbe-Cameroon, became a vibrant hub of unity, resilience, and youthful energy, as we harnessed the universal language of football to heal divides and empower a generation. This ten-day event was not merely a competition; it was a transformative movement designed to foster peace, social inclusion, and sustainable development in a region deeply affected by the Anglophone crisis, serving as a host community for thousands of internally displaced persons.
The journey to a successful 3rd Edition began long before the first whistle blew. A series of three strategic online preparatory meetings were convened, bringing together the organizing committee to conduct a thorough evaluation of previous editions. Every loophole was scrutinized, and every lesson learned was carefully considered to fine-tune the path forward. Committees were restructured, previous competition rules were amended for greater fairness and clarity, and a clear vision was established. The CEO and initiator of the project, Mr. Clovert Mbenja, provided unwavering leadership, calling upon all involved to address past errors with diligence and to work collectively towards setting a new standard of excellence for this edition.
The core of the event was the U-13 football tournament, which saw enthusiastic participation from across the region. A total of ten teams registered for the boys' category, demonstrating the immense appetite for such initiatives. These teams were strategically divided into two pools of five, competing in a league phase followed by a thrilling knockout stage. The girls' category, while smaller with four formidable teams, showcased equal passion and skill, leading directly to a highly anticipated final. On the pitch, raw talent was on full display. The boys' final was a breathtaking encounter between Destiny Restoration of Limbe and Akiriba Sports Association Mutengene, a match that ultimately had to be decided by the drama of a penalty shootout, with Destiny Restoration emerging victorious with a 6-5 scoreline. In the girls' final, the team from Tiko delivered a commanding performance, defeating Rising Stars of Limbe by two goals to nil, proving that the future of women's football in the region is exceptionally bright.
However, the vision of “Kick for Hope” extended far beyond the football field. Throughout the tournament, participants were engaged in vital educational workshops designed to equip them with knowledge and skills for a better future. These sessions addressed critical issues such as the importance of peace and social cohesion in post-conflict communities, the devastating negative impact of drug consumption, menstrual hygiene management, and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. By integrating these health talks and peacebuilding dialogues into the sporting event, we ensured that every child left not only with memories of competition but also with tools to become an agent of change within their own communities. A vibrant cultural evening further reinforced this message of unity, using storytelling, music, and traditional performances to promote dialogue and celebrate shared heritage.
The culmination of the tournament was a joyous award and recognition ceremony, where prizes were distributed as projected in the initial planning, alongside several extra awards granted to acknowledge outstanding effort and sportsmanship. Trophies, certificates, and didactic materials were presented to winning teams, best players, and peace ambassadors, providing tangible encouragement for their continued growth. In total, the event successfully impacted over 800 children and youths from across Fako Division, including participants from Limbe, Tiko, Mutengene, Buea, and Douala, bringing together players, families, coaches, and peace advocates in a powerful demonstration of community cohesion.
Following the conclusion of the festivities, two comprehensive evaluation meetings were held—one face-to-face and one via Zoom—to weigh the successes and failures of the edition and to seek a clear way forward. It was overwhelmingly concluded that the 3rd Edition was a resounding success, with its main objectives of promoting peace, empowering youth, and fostering inclusion fully attained. Nevertheless, this honest appraisal also brought to light several vices and areas demanding improvement. Notably, poor negotiation and preparation of the playing field posed logistical challenges. The referees committee was identified as lacking the necessary professionalism and efficiency to ensure smooth match operations. Furthermore, the morphology check process for player age verification was deemed unsatisfactory and will require significant tightening. Finally, it was universally acknowledged that sponsorship and resource mobilization need urgent enhancement to support the growing scale and ambition of the tournament. Despite these challenges, the committee resolved that the next edition will once again take place in Limbe, building on the foundation laid this year.
In conclusion, the 3rd Edition of the Football for Peace and Sustainable Development tournament, “Kick for Hope,” stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unifying power of sport. By transforming a simple football field into a space for healing, learning, and shared hope, we have laid the groundwork for more resilient communities and a new generation of peacebuilders. The CEO, Mr. Clovert Mbenja, extends his deepest and most sincere appreciation to all stakeholders—the dedicated committees, committed coaches, selfless volunteers, generous partners, and every single participant—for their unwavering support, which was the cornerstone of this achievement. With the lessons of this edition firmly in hand, we look forward to the future with optimism and a steadfast commitment to upgrading and expanding this vital initiative. The final whistle may have blown on this edition, but the journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development, powered by the beautiful game, continues with renewed vigor.
