After winning the inaugural Bank, Windhoek Ramblers U/21 Soccer Tournament Kasaona Football Academy owner Uerikondjera ‘Mamie’ Kasaona said tournaments of this magnitude are essential to sports and youth development.
“It brought the best out of my young players, as we continuously assess their development and progress. The goal is to see the players progress from grassroots to matured nationals and ultimately international players,” she said.
In 2017, Kasaona started the Kasaona Football Academy to keep youths off the street as well as develop young soccer players of both genders.
On Saturday, 30 April, her academy defeated Ramblers 4-3 on penalties to win the inaugural Bank Windhoek Ramblers U/21 tournament.
“It was a tough tournament, but we prevailed,” said Kasaona Football Academy’s captain Tuazuvirua Toromba.
He said they were proud to be part of the tournament as a team.
“It brought us and the fans together, which is a testament that soccer brings people together,” he said after applauding Bank Windhoek for the sponsorship.
Kasaona Football Academy’s midfielder Ngero Katua won the Player of the Tournament award, while Ramblers’ defender Jack Parker won the Young Player of the Tournament award, and Ramblers’ goalkeeper Josef Philipus won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
Simon Elago of Swallows, Solomon Negumbo of Ramblers and Muzeu Muzeu of Kasaona Football Academy all shared the Top Goal Scorer award with three goals each. Hosted at the Ramblers Sports Ground in Windhoek, the tournament kicked off on Friday, 22 April, and concluded on Saturday, 30 April.
Eight teams participated: Ramblers, Athletic Club Football Academy, Sport Klub Windhoek, Deutscher Turn und Sportverein, Fortis Football Academy, Kaizen Football Academy, Swallows Football Club and Kasaona Football Academy.
Bank Windhoek’s head of corporate social investment and sponsorships Bronwyn Moody congratulated the participating teams for excellent performances during the tournament.
“As a connector of positive change, it is an honour to witness what this tournament meant to the participating teams. We wish the players the best as they continue developing their soccer skills,” said Moody.
Ramblers Soccer Club vice chairperson Alessandro Micheletti said that the tournament exceeded their expectations.
“We were super excited to host the tournament, and everything was well organised from all parties involved, including the bank, the clubs, players and fans,” he said.