WINDHOEK – National Under-20 shot stopper Edward Maova was the best goal-minder at the recently concluded COSAFA Under-20 championship held in Lesotho last weekend.
Maova’s exploits between the sticks for the Baby Warriors at the regional youth tourney earned him the accolade of the Best Goalkeeper of the Championship and with that came a trophy which the NFA President, John Muinjo, brought home.
“The team had already returned home after their goalless draw with eventual winners South Africa and the awards ceremony was held on the final day.
“The acrobatic young Maova impressed the selectors and scouts alike that were in Lesotho for the tournament and I won’t be surprised if he receives offers from across the Orange River (South Africa). He is a big boy with a big heart and very level-headed,” said Muinjo.
Commenting on the award, Maova said he was caught by surprise that he won the award but always believes in his own abilities: “I went there to compete and to try to help my country and I believe I did my best and probably enough to warrant the award. I’m very happy for myself because there was tough competition from other goalkeepers, especially the South African keeper, but I did my part.”
Coach Ronnie Kanalelo could not heap enough praise on his giant net guard. “Ted did very well for the team in Lesotho as he kept us in the game against Zambia and South Africa. He was a huge difference, and this award is worthwhile indeed because this boy is coming of age and even at Civics one can see the difference and his influence on the team. What is now left is for him to remain calm and focussed if he wants to become better and not start thinking that he has arrived and become complacent,” Kanalelo advised.
Earlier this year, Maova was voted the Best Goalkeeper of the Namibian Newspaper Cup after leading the host region Otjozondjupa to victory. He started his career in topflight football with Rundu Chiefs before moving to Civics at the start of the current campaign.
By Staff Reporter