DS Football Academy clinches gold in Botswana

Namibia’s DS Football Academy (DSFA) U15 team recently made history by winning the inaugural Dinaledi International Football Cup, held in Oodi, Botswana.DSFA was invited to participate in the tournament, which featured players in the U9 to U17 age groups. It participated alongside hosts Dinaledi Football Club, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, the Kagiso Sports School of Excellence and several other Botswana-based teams.In a statement issued by the club on Tuesday, the country’s rising youth side opened its campaign with a 1-0 win over Botswana’s Police XI, with captain Tiago Schmidt scoring the decisive goal.They next faced South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, claiming a 2-1 victory thanks to a brace by Henrico Kavendjii.Final clashIn the final group-stage match, they drew 1-1 against the host club, with another goal from Kavendjii securing top spot. The result set up a rematch with Sundowns in the final, with DSFA finishing top of the group on seven points, one ahead of the South African side.DSFA took the lead early in the final through Brooklyn Goalith but were reduced to 10 men in the 12th minute after Kavendjii received a red card.Despite the setback, the Namibian team held firm, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw and going to penalties. Schmidt, Wentworth Seibeb, Kelvin Kanaseb and Prince Lee Afrikaner all converted their spot-kicks to secure a 4-2 shootout win.Goalkeeper Ethan Keya saved two crucial penalties and was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Kanaseb received the Player of the Tournament award.‘A proud milestone’Reflecting on the achievement, club founder and coach Dokkies Schmidt said the victory proves that Namibia’s youth have the talent, hunger and discipline to compete and win internationally.“For DSFA, it’s a proud milestone reflecting the hard work our players and staff put in daily. It sends a strong message that our young athletes deserve more opportunities and investment,” he said.Schmidt added that the club intends to compete in more international tournaments and called for greater support in terms of funding, facilities and partnerships.“We need the nation and its stakeholders to invest in youth football as a serious developmental plan. We would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Letshego for being our strategic partner, sponsoring our tournament and supporting the trip to Botswana.”DSFA CEO Natalia Schmidt echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Youth academies need genuine development to turn potential into purpose, not just social participation and applause.”Club chairman Jorge da Purificao expressed confidence that the private sector will come on board once they see the talent and vision within the club. “Investment in clubs like DSFA is not charity – it’s nation-building,” he said.– mariud@nsh.com.na

DS Football Academy clinches gold in Botswana

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Republikein 2025-12-17

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DS Football Academy clinches gold in Botswana

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