Captain of the newly-crowned champions of the Bank Windhoek Ramblers U/20 Football Tournament, Athletic Club Football Academy (ACFA) Mbitjita Kaeka says competitions of such nature should be spread all over the country to unearth talent.
He was speaking after his side beat tough competition from Kaizen Football Academy (KFA), Kasaona Academy and Swallows to win the second edition of the tournament.
The final between ACFA and KFA was an evenly-matched contest between two well-organised teams. ACFA took the lead in the second half of the game with a brilliant goal by Kelmer Antonio, which proved to be the winning goal of the game.
“Bank Windhoek should spread out this tournament all over Namibia because talent needs exposure. It would make a huge difference in the youth’s lives,” said Kaeka.
His coach Nikie Gaweseb added the tournament is what the Namibian youth needs for growth in football.
“We like to have something like this for the younger boys to give them more game time. The tournament helps the under-20 boys to improve their soccer more,” he said.
Asked how they defeated the defending champions, Kasaona, en route to the finals, Gaweseb said his team had to switch tactics because Kasaona was playing a pressing game and they were a bit physical. He added that his plan after the tournament is to grow in his coaching career.
Kaeka said that together with his team, they will now enjoy the win and prepare for the pre-season.
“We are hoping to get call-ups from Premier League senior teams. The tournament was all about trying to get us into the national team,” he said.
As for his ultimate dream, Kaeka wants to play for Liverpool in the English Premier League. “On behalf of the Ramblers Sports Club, we thank our sponsor Bank Windhoek for supporting youth football by exposing players to scouting by team principles for their respective teams. We look forward to the next event in July 2023 in Oshakati, whereafter we will announce the format of the tournament for the 2024 season,” said chairperson of the Ramblers Soccer Club Sedric van Turah.