Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) successfully defended its title at the Bank Windhoek Ramblers U/21 Football Tournament, defeating Swallows in a thrilling final that ended in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in Windhoek.
The match was intense, with both teams finishing with 10 players due to red cards issued during the game.
The final match was a rollercoaster of emotions that kept fans on their seats until the final whistle.
SKW’s coach Lucky Kakuva erupted joyfully.
He thanked the organisers and sponsors for a well-organised tournament.
The stadium echoed with ecstatic celebrations from their supporters, marking a momentous occasion for the team that emerged as defending champions.
With the trophy in hand again, SKW aims to build on this success and further develop as a team to make a lasting impact by winning it three times in a row in 2026, which will see them retain the trophy.
In the semi-finals, Swallows beat Ramblers 2-1, while SKW triumphed over Julinho with a score of 4-1, leading to their matchup in the final.
In the third-place playoff, Julinho trumped Ramblers in another dramatic penalty shootout to win after they drew one-all.
The top three teams during the tournament won a share of the N$22 500, with the teams receiving N$10 000, N$7 500 and N$5 000, respectively.
This included the floating trophy and medals.
Cruz Uwu-Khaeb (SKW), Shemeul Eduard Kasongo Nkosi (Ramblers) and Jesco Namiseb (Swallows) were named the top three goal scorers of the tournament.
Sem Moses (SKW) was awarded the best goalkeeper accolade of the tournament.
Chris Eiseb (Swallows) walked away with the Best Young Player of the Tournament award.
The tournament took place from 18 June to 21 June.
Six teams participated: Ramblers, Julinho, Swallows, Kasaona, Sport Klub Windhoek and River Heights.
The tournament showcased young football talent and included various promotional activities and social media engagement.
Kakuva thanked Bank Windhoek for giving the young players a unique platform to showcase their talents.
“We are honoured to partake in this tournament and cannot wait for the 2026 edition,” he said.
As it heads to the country’s south for the first time, the tournament, organised by Ramblers Club, has a rich history of nurturing young football talent.
This year was no exception.
The Keetmanshoop edition will have eight teams competing from 27 June to 29 June at the Westdene Stadium.
Karasburg (Westside Football Academy), Aroab (Aroab Football Academy), Rosh Pinah (KFA), Mariental (Mariental Sport Club), Koes (Koes Academy), Keetmanshoop (Franz Beckenbauer Academy), Oranjemund (Orangemund FC) and Keetmanshoop (Keetmanshoop Soccer Academy) will battle it out for bragging rights in the south.