Keetmanshoop Football Academy retain U21 title

Keetmanshoop Football Academy successfully defended its title as champions of the Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under-21 Football Tournament’s Keetmanshoop Edition after defeating Mariental Sport Club 2-0 in the final at the J. Stephanus Stadium in Tseiblaagte on Sunday, 28 June 2026. Aroab Football Academy finished third, while Westside Football Club from Karasburg placed fourth. The top three teams received prize money of N$10,000, N$7,500 and N$5,000 respectively.

The three-day tournament brought together eight teams from southern Namibia and featured 16 matches played over 16 hours of football. A total of 184 players took part, with 32 goals scored throughout the competition. The participating teams were Keetmanshoop Football Academy, Theodore Football Club, Mariental Sport Club, Westside Football Club, Franz Beckenbauer Football Academy, Oranjemund Football Academy, Kaizen Football Academy and Aroab Football Academy.

The Keetmanshoop edition formed part of the 2026 Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under-21 Football Tournament, backed by Bank Windhoek through a N$300,000 sponsorship. This year’s competition featured 14 teams overall, with six competing in Windhoek and eight in Keetmanshoop.

With the youngest player in the tournament aged just 16, the competition also highlighted youth development and inclusion. The final on Sunday was officiated by an all-female refereeing team, adding another encouraging milestone to a tournament focused on opportunity, inclusion and growth.

Bank Windhoek’s Strategic Communications Manager, Samuel Linyondi, who attended the matches, said the tournament once again demonstrated the quality and promise of young footballers in southern Namibia.

“The level of talent, discipline, ball control and understanding of the game displayed by many of the players was impressive. This year also recorded the biggest attendance since the tournament was established five years ago, which speaks to the growing support for youth football in the south. We thank the Keetmanshoop community, especially in Tseiblaagte, for welcoming us and for coming out in large numbers to support the players,” he said.

Keetmanshoop Football Academy coach Shetu Thomas welcomed the tournament, describing it as an important platform for young players in southern Namibia to showcase their talent.

“The tournament was a great initiative to uplift youth football, especially as there are few tournaments of this nature in the south. We want to thank Bank Windhoek for giving young players in the region an opportunity to showcase their talent,” said Thomas.

Thomas added that Keetmanshoop Football Academy intends to use part of its prize money to reward the players, while the remainder will be invested in training equipment such as footballs and bibs as the academy prepares to compete in the upcoming Third Division season.

Ramblers Club Chairperson Klaus van Niel also thanked Bank Windhoek for its continued sponsorship, noting that the bank’s support has helped strengthen the tournament’s role as a key development platform for youth football. His sentiments were echoed by ǁKharas Region Football Chairperson Emrico Blaauw.

Bank Windhoek’s continued support of the tournament forms part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, community development and creating opportunities that enable young Namibians to realise their potential through sport. The tournament continues to provide a competitive platform for players to gain exposure, build confidence and develop the discipline required to progress in football and beyond.