YANGZHOU- The Khomas U/17 regional team finished second at the prestigious 2024 Yangzhou China Grand Canal Cities Men’s Elite Youth Football Tournament, which concluded yesterday in Yangzhou City.
Khomas represented Namibia at the tournament.
The young athletes faced a challenging final match against the Jiangsu Province team, ultimately falling short with a scoreline of 5-1.
Despite the defeat, the tournament was a significant milestone in terms of their development and international exposure as football players.
The sole goal for Khomas was scored by the talented Vitario ‘Namab’ Brunzel, who not only showcased his scoring ability, but also earned a nomination as one of the tournament’s best players.
His performance highlighted his skill and potential, which promises an exciting future in the sport.
Reflecting on the final match, head coach Risto Shikomba candidly acknowledged the team’s struggles against a formidable opponent.
“They were much better. They created about six chances in the second half, while we struggled to maintain depth on our bench. Our players gave their all in the first two group matches, but the pressure of the final was overwhelming,” he noted.
He added that the tactical prowess of the opposing team made the experience feel akin to competing against a national side, further emphasising the gap in experience and preparation.
This tournament served as an invaluable learning experience for the Khomas players, Shikomba said.
“It was a learning curve for the players to experience this level of competition. Participating in such tournaments can significantly contribute to their growth as athletes. We are grateful to the hosts for the opportunity; it has been a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”
Robinho van Wyk, one of the players on the team, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in their overall performance throughout the tournament.
“It was a great experience. Competing at this level requires a lot, and we recognise that we still have a long way to go. However, this experience will help us grow stronger and better,” he said, displaying optimism in the team’s future.
Brunzel also shared his enthusiasm, expressing a desire to participate in more tournaments of this calibre.
“The facilities here are exceptional, and the professionalism is impressive. If I get more opportunities to compete at this level, I believe I can significantly improve my game,” he stated, underscoring the importance of exposure to high-level competition.
In the battle for third place, the Dongtai team triumphed over Yangzhou with a 2-0 victory, securing their position on the podium.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na