The second edition of the Champions Super 4 Battle of Champions is all set for this coming weekend in Swakopmund at Tamariskia Stadium in Swakopmund. 

The top four teams from the MTC HopSol Youth League and Champion Maize Youth League will compete in three age groups: U/13, U/15 and U/17. 

This year, Deutscher Turn und Sportverein (DTS), Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW), Riverheights Football Academy and Collin Benjamin’s Soccer Talents (CBS) will make the trip to the coast to face off with Swakopmund Football Club (SFC), Lindy Cosmos and Kandetu Football Club from the Champion Maize Youth League. 

Nixon Marcus from Riverheights FA said his team’s preparations have been difficult due to the exams, so the players could not attend practice regularly. 

However, he welcomes the opportunity to test himself against other teams outside Windhoek. 

“It’s great to compete against different teams from the ones in Windhoek, which gives the players the opportunity to compete against different opposition and top teams from the coast. The tournament also provides the kids with different exposure to travelling out of town with teammates to bond and share new experiences,” he added. 

Riverheights FA are pitted against Kandetu Football Club and SKW in the U/13 division, making for an epic battle that will test the team for the two-day tournament. 

“We had extra training sessions this past weekend to prepare for the tournament. Kandetu seems to be a very good team that had a good season, which I understand they finished unbeaten. So, it will be a tough match,” he said. 

Coach Eliaser Amuthitu from SKW said they are preparing as usual, and it is nothing too different or complicated. 

“Our focus is mainly on gameplay, keeping things as simple and basic as possible to ensure consistency and understanding among the boys. This tournament is very important, as the boys get to face different opponents in a new environment. It’s also a chance to see how they adapt and perform under colder conditions and against stronger teams,” he said. 

He acknowledged that the exams have always had a significant impact because they keep the boys away from training. 

“This affects their rhythm and progress, but education comes first. However, we always encourage parents to help their kids find balance between schoolwork and football,” he noted. 

Amuthitu’s U/13 charges will be facing SFC and Riverheights FA, a category they won last year, for which he said they are well and ready for them. 

“We are definitely ready. Our goal is to compete strongly, reach the finals and hopefully retain the title. I’m familiar with SFC and River Heights, but not much with the other teams. It would’ve been helpful to know more about them, but we’ll still prepare thoroughly and adapt as we go,” he shared. 

Amuthitu urged government to find ways to involve companies in supporting youth football. 

“Youth are the future, and we need stronger engagement and investment to ensure proper development and progress in the sport,” he concluded. 

His colleague, coach Enrico Tjiramba from the U/15 division, said the tournament is beneficial for development purposes, as players also need competition and varied exposure. 

“This tournament offers far more than just match experience. Ultimately, it’s about giving them a platform to grow, not just as players, but as young men. This kind of experience stays with them for life,” he said. 

“I want the boys to play with heart, discipline and tactical awareness, not just chasing goals but showing growth in every match. We’ve prepared with intention. Now it’s time to test, learn and inspire,” he added. 

Coach Arnold Subed from CBS’s U/17 squad said this is a great initiative and good motivation for the boys to get rewarded for their efforts and sacrifices throughout the year. 

“I would like to say a big thanks to the organisers of the tournament and the sponsors for helping to keep our youth busy and playing the game they love,” he remarked. -slunyangwe@nepc.com.na