Benin’s national football team, the Cheetahs, has taken a proactive step during the international break by engaging in community support initiatives while continuing its on-field preparations.
The team, led by head coach Gernot Rohr, has drawn attention not just for its training sessions but for its commitment to meaningful civic action.
Amid the team’s training camp in Cotonou, players and staff paid a heartfelt visit to the Mother and Child University Hospital, where they made a symbolic donation to the Hospital Solidarity Fund.
The gesture, aimed at easing the burden of medical expenses for vulnerable patients, will directly support the treatment of women and children between the ages of 2 and 11.
The donation reflects the team’s effort to use its platform to bring relief to families facing financial hardships in accessing healthcare.
This act of solidarity followed the recent squad announcement and comments from Coach Rohr, who revealed productive discussions with the Benin Football Federation regarding the team’s future direction.
The players have since entered a rigorous training period, but the hospital visit has clearly illustrated that their mission extends beyond football.
The team’s community engagement continues this Saturday, 31 May 2025, with a fan interaction event scheduled at the Éya Center in Cotonou. Supporters will have the chance to meet the players face-to-face in what promises to be a spirited and intimate gathering.
With the national side currently unable to play matches on home soil due to the ongoing renovation of Stade de l’Amitié, this event is expected to boost morale among fans and players alike.
The Éya Center gathering offers a rare chance for the public to reconnect with their national side, which has had to host matches abroad because of stadium compliance issues.
Renovations are underway at the Stade de l’Amitié, with the goal of meeting international standards and restoring Benin’s ability to host home fixtures.
Despite these logistical challenges, the Cheetahs are pressing ahead with their footballing ambitions. Their preparations include a friendly encounter against Morocco scheduled for 9 June.
This match is anticipated to be a key test for Rohr’s squad as it eyes continued development and cohesion ahead of competitive fixtures.
For Rohr, the upcoming match is more than just a routine friendly. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating the team’s progress, fitness, and tactical readiness against a high-calibre opponent. Morocco, known for its disciplined and dynamic style of play, will provide a formidable challenge — one that the Cheetahs are eager to embrace.
While results on the field remain the ultimate measure of any national team’s success, Benin’s players are demonstrating that their influence reaches well into the heart of their communities.
By lending their voices and presence to causes that matter, they are redefining what it means to represent their country — not just as athletes, but as ambassadors of compassion and unity.
As the international break unfolds, the Benin Cheetahs are showing that true impact is not limited to the scoreboard. Through acts of generosity and public engagement, they are earning victories off the field that resonate far beyond 90 minutes of football.
