The first-ever southern edition of the Bank Windhoek Ramblers U/21 Football Tournament concluded on a high note in Keetmanshoop recently, with the local favourites, Keetmanshoop Soccer Academy, emerging as champions. 

The tournament, held at the Westdene Stadium, brought together eight under-21 teams from across southern Namibia in a celebration of youth football.

In a nail-biting final, Keetmanshoop Soccer Academy edged out Karasburg Westside Football Academy in a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match was a showcase of skill, determination, and local pride.

The semi-finals delivered surprise results as Karasburg Westside Football Academy defeated Mariental Sport Club 2-0, while Keetmanshoop Soccer Academy narrowly beat Franz Beckenbauer Academy 2-1. The third-place playoff saw Mariental Sport Club outwit Franz Beckenbauer Academy 3-2 in a tactical battle, despite the latter dominating most of the game.

Individual accolades were awarded to standout performers. Geraldo Mouton (Aroab Football Club) and Tangeni Swartbooi (Mariental Sport Club) shared the top goal scorer title. The best goalkeeper award went to two exceptional players: Lumando Basson (Karasburg Football Club) and Christiano Louw (Franz Beckenbauer Academy). Pieter Perkat of Keetmanshoop Soccer Academy was named Best Young Player for his consistent and outstanding performances.

Bank Windhoek’s Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships, Audrey Mostert, alongside Strategic Communication Manager Samuel Linyondi, travelled to Keetmanshoop for the tournament and praised the players for their skill and teamwork, which they said reflected the spirit and potential of Namibian youth football.

This tournament is part of the Bank Windhoek Ramblers U/21 series, which started in Windhoek in mid-June and expanded to Keetmanshoop later in the month. Since its inception in 2022, the series has seen an investment of approximately N$1.1 million and has already produced players who have progressed to the Namibia Premier League and national teams.

Organised by Ramblers Sports Club, the tournament aims to nurture grassroots football talent across the country. The southern edition featured teams from Karasburg, Aroab, Rosh Pinah, Mariental, Koes, Oranjemund, and two teams from Keetmanshoop.

The tournament drew strong support from local leaders, including Keetmanshoop mayor Annelize Knaus and Town Council Management Committee chairperson Easter Isaak, who both attended the final. 

Adding to the excitement was a special appearance by Keetmanshoop-born Zenata Colemann, one of Namibia’s top international women’s footballers.

 -lmupetami@nepc.com.na