The inaugural northern edition of the 2023 Bank Windhoek Ramblers U/21 Soccer Tournament took place from Friday, 14 to Sunday, 16 July 2023, at Uukwangula Sports Stadium in Oshakati and showcased brilliant attacking football from the participating teams.
The tournament featured eight teams representing various regional football academies and associations: Diva FA, Okatana FA, Efidi FA, Ondangwa FA, Elnur FA, Alma FA, WE Academy, and A-Class FA.
The final featured Efidi Football Academy against the tournament favourites, A-Class, with the former registering a narrow 1-0 victory.
The final was a fiercely contested battle, with both teams displaying their determination and skills.
This followed a closely fought group stage, in which A-Class FA, Diva FA, WE Academy, and Efidi FA emerged as the semi-finalists.
The semi-final matches showcased end-to-end football, with both encounters providing exhilarating moments for the fans.
A-Class FA faced off against WE Academy in the first semi-final, while Efidi FA went head-to-head with Diva FA in the second semi-final.
The tournament’s group stages proved tightly contested, as teams displayed their skills and played with remarkable attacking prowess.
The tournament organisers expressed their satisfaction with the success of the event.
The Bank Windhoek Ramblers U/21 Tournament provided a much-needed platform for the young footballers of northern Namibia to exhibit their talent and compete at a high level.
The chairperson of the Ramblers Soccer Club, Sedric van Turah, said the success of this inaugural tournament has set a solid foundation for the growth of football in Oshakati and the surrounding regions.
“On behalf of the Ramblers executive, I thank the management team of Bank Windhoek, who engaged with us to plan the Oshakati-based tournament. These types of games go a long way to ensuring that youth soccer, up to the U/21 level, gets a platform for our national team scouts and Premier League teams to be offered the opportunity to see the talent showcased from where the soccer community’s next superstars can be selected,” said Van Turah.
The tournament gives exposure to youth academy players who could not play in the Namibian soccer calendar’s Second Division, First Division, or Premier leagues.
Bank Windhoek’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorship Manager, Audrey Mostert, said that as a Connector of Positive Change, the bank was delighted to have witnessed and provided a platform for the northern youth to express their raw talent on the pitch.
“The young players carry much discipline, focus, and determination. We wish them all the best,” she said.
The winners of the three top prizes received football equipment.