The U/19 team from the Collin Benjamin Soccer Academy (CBS) showcased their strength with a commanding 2-0 victory against Windhoek Gymnasium (WHK Gym) at Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) on Saturday.

CBS topped the group with 31 points before the knockout stages, making them the team to watch. WHK Gym coach Ephraim Tjihonge noted that the team is facing several internal issues that need resolution for them to compete effectively at this level.

“We must sort out the attendance to the games, as we also have examinations. A lot of things are beyond our control. As you know, we are a school team – and not an academy,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance, particularly given that they fielded only nine players. 

“CBS is a very technically equipped team, and I must give them credit. The plan was to force a draw so that we could gain advantage in the second round, but it did not work out. 

“I don’t want to say we are going back to the drawing board. I don’t think these boys need any motivation to play against CBS. I think we will just come back and try to do the job differently, aiming for a 2-0 win to force a penalty shootout. Other than that, I think we did well,” he said.

CBS coach Arnold Subeb expressed frustration with the match. Having previously faced WHK Gym, they are familiar with their approach.

“I told my players that they had to find solutions as we prepared them during the week because we knew how they would play against us. We decided to play with our wings and utilise our set pieces. So, the set pieces were the form of goals that we prepared for during the week,” he noted.

He said the tactic used for the match was well-prepared, further giving credit to WHK Gym for their effort on the field. 

“For us, it was about breaking them down and getting a goal to open them up. Before the second goal, we were frustrated because we couldn’t find solutions to the problems they were creating,” he stated.

“We had to keep playing the ball from the wings, and that’s how the goals came. With all due respect to our opponents, we knew what they were going to bring today, and they did not change their tactics. For the second leg, we will see if we can build on the scoreline,” he remarked.

Elsewhere

Dama’s U/19 team came close to securing a victory, but allowed Riverheights to equalise in the second half, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Their coach, Piennar Haitenge, said he has been keeping an eye on Riverheights’ style of play throughout the season, and acknowledged that they are a formidable team. 

“We played a lot against them even in our pre-season tournament, but we gave them a good game. The aim for today’s match was not to commit too much, but to stay in the game for the second leg – and I think we did enough,” he said.

“For the second leg, we have lost our main striker, but we will find a way. We have a lot of quality players who will step up. We must create more chances, but I was impressed with how my boys played, especially against Riverheights because they are tournament specialists,” he added.

-slunyangwe@nepc.com.na