DSFA to host inaugural international Dunes Cup

DS Football Academy (DSFA) is set to host its first international youth tournament, the inaugural Dunes Cup, at Swakopmund’s Vineta Sports Complex, as well as the Modesa and Tamariskia Sports Fields, scheduled for 7 to 13 July.The under-8 to under-19 tournament will be a celebration of youth football excellence, bringing together ten teams from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as two surprise teams from Europe.DSFA operations director Jason Shikomba confirmed that the international showpiece will be graced by notable figures from the football world and international scouts.“We are keeping specific names under wraps for now to build anticipation. However, I can confirm that we have received confirmation about the presence of scouts from Portugal, England, Italy and South Africa. Additionally, we will have a surprise guest from South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL),” he told Sport Wrap.Exhibition match to feature football legendsHe further revealed that the event will feature a South Africa versus Namibia masters exhibition match, showcasing football legends from both nations.“The DSFA Dunes Cup is our call to create a platform for football development in the country. It will be the first of its kind, aiming to unite youth teams from around the world to offer a world-class football experience right here on home soil,” Shikomba said.He added that planning is well underway, with DSFA working closely with the Swakopmund Municipality and local partners to ensure the tournament sets a new benchmark for youth football on the continent.“Our game plan remains clear: to continue nurturing talent through quality coaching, structured training, mentorship and competitive match exposure. We want to build the Dunes Cup into a lasting legacy that empowers the next generation of Namibian footballers.”DSFA’s dedication to developing young football talent has earned it a reputation as one of the country’s most promising football academies. Its international training camp trips to South Africa, hosted by Socca Dream Academy, have influenced a strategic shift to even-numbered age categories.This led to the phasing out of the under-7 and under-17 divisions, with the academy now focusing on the U8, U12, U14 and U16 age groups in line with global development standards.The club’s most notable accomplishment to date is becoming the youngest team ever to feature across all Namibia Football Association (NFA) divisions, with a senior squad averaging just 17 years and 58 days.“Elliot Ashipala (15 years and 213 days) also made Khomas Third Division history, becoming the youngest debutant - and possibly the youngest ever across all of the country’s divisions.”National call-upsOn the international stage, DSFA has celebrated eight national team call-ups between 2024 and 2025. Among them are U15 team captain Tiago Schmidt, Nanami Uraije (U15 and U17 girls) and Brianna Matthias (U15 girls). Damion Malgas has featured for the U17 national side and is set to represent the country at July’s Youth Games in the U20 squad.Other U15 national call-ups include Isak Hamata, Rowen Kooper, former player Ramiro Sissing (now at JAFA) and Marko Titus (formerly of Swallows FC).The club’s on-field achievements include the former U17 team (now competing as the senior team after debuting as an U15 team) currently ranked second in the NFA Khomas Third Division. It has also won the Dream Social League Cup, finished as runners-up at the Ramblers Youth Tournament and gone unbeaten in the Namport Khomas Third Division playoffs.DSFA’s U13 team has also impressed, going unbeaten in the HopSol Youth League regular season, conceding just three goals and finishing third overall after the playoffs.Another standout achievement is the performance of the academy’s U9 to U13 teams, all of whom finished within the top five of their respective divisions.- mariud@nsh.com.na

DSFA to host inaugural international Dunes Cup

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DSFA to host inaugural international Dunes Cup

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