In a thrilling U/12 HopSol Youth League match played last week at the Jan Möhr football field, Swallows emerged victorious by defeating Ramblers 3-1. Ramoe Garoeb proved to be a standout player for Swallows, scoring two goals during the match. Kaman Kohima, who secured the third goal for the team, complemented his stellar performance.
Although Ramblers’ Tangeni Haifula managed to find the back of the net, his efforts came a little too late to mount a successful comeback in the second half.
Lazarus Xoagub, coach of Swallows said their opponents made it difficult for them to play. He said that they closed all their chances, which forced them to dig deep for the win.
The coach added that the U/12 are doing good, “overall, the whole club is doing good now. My boys in this category have not lost a game and we are keeping the momentum.
“We are hoping for a good end to the season,” Xoagub said.
However, Rambler’s coach Edward Hasino said they conceded a very early goal from their own mistakes. “In the second half, we performed much better, but again, in the first half we missed our chances in front of goal,” he explained.
“Of course, we also have fitness issues, but we will work on that. For now, I would want my boys to have a little more confidence in their style of play. If they can start the game with confidence and end it with confidence, we will be able to win games,” stressed Hasino.
Elsewhere
A tough battle ensued when Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW)’s U/12 held on to a 1-all draw against a tactful Athletic Club Football Academy (ACFA).
The match showed some moments of brilliance in front of goal but could not cancel each other out as both teams came prepared to the field.
The coach of SKW, McBride Kate said it was a good game, even though it was hampered by a few bad decisions made by the referee.
He added that the field did not do them any justice, because the team likes to keep possession. “So, we just had to fight and grind out this result at least,” he said.
ACFA’s coach, Protasho Kabwe felt it was a great game. “These are kids which we need to develop.
“You can see that we are not playing long balls, the players were playing the ball on the ground, which is what we want in Namibian football.
“For me, it’s not all about tactics when we go into a game, especially at this age, you just remind them and guide them. However, all the players must do their job. The players are not yet at a stage where they understand strategies.
“They just need to understand the game first and to know that they must still greet each other after the game, whether they win or lose,” stressed Kabwe.
Kabwe further feels that all coaches in the league should be able to groom players the right way for them to become better footballers. “After the game, we have to make sure the kids come together and shake hands and put the smile back on their faces.”
-slunyangwe@nepc.com.na