The second edition of the Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under 21 Soccer Tournament kicked over the weekend as the first match day had breath-taking encounters that excited the fans from the first minute.
Kaizen Football Academy (KFA) took on Fortis Football Academy in an unpredictable tie from the first whistle. The match was even for the most part, but a positive approach in the second half by KFA was enough to secure the win. The two goals from their marksman, Sakeus Thomas and a goal from Jonathan Morris gave James Britz’s boys the three points, with the match ending 3:0 in favour of KFA.
A battle between Deutscher Turn und Sportverein (DTS) and Swallows followed. DTS took the lead through Shemuel Nkosi. The teams traded attacks for most of the game. However, goals from Raul Noreseb and Kingsly Tjombumbi managed to complete the turnaround and get the win for Swallows, with the match ending 2:1 in favour of Swallows.
The next day saw debutants, African Stars, take on last year’s finalist, Ramblers, in the most anticipated weekend match-up. Ramblers dominated possession, but despite that, African stars managed to take the lead through quick play and slick passing, which ended with Pius Kapwitan rounding the goalkeeper and calmly rolling the ball in to give Stars a one-nil lead at halftime. It did not take Ramblers long to equalize after the restart when an individual goal from Rowen Jagger put his team right back into the game. Ramblers finally turned the game in their favour when a competent team move led to Vihape Mungunda tapping in from close range and guaranteeing Ramblers the three points, with the match ending 2:1 in favour of Ramblers.
The final match for the weekend saw the defending champions, Kasaona FA, go head-to-head against Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW). An early goal from Kasaona was almost like the beginning of the end for SKW as the defending champions ran out as 7:0 winners. Despite SKW’s best efforts, they could not keep up with the brilliance of Mammie Kasaona and her yellow army. Seven different goal scorers scored all seven goals.
The Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under 21 Soccer Tournament gives further exposure to youth academy players who could not play in the Second Division, First Division, or Premier leagues of the Namibian soccer calendar. Matchday two will take place from Friday, 12 May, until Saturday, 13 May 2023, from 18:00 at the Ramblers Sports Ground in Windhoek.
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