Bank Windhoek U21 tournament grows game and hope

Football
The tournament is backed by a nearly N$800 000 investment from Bank Windhoek.
Brian Munango
  • 1 Day Ago 16 May 2025
The Bank Windhoek Ramblers U21 Football Tournament continues to set the benchmark for youth sports development in Namibia, with organisers and stakeholders hailing the competition as a powerful tool for empowerment and growth.

Namibia’s deputy minister of sports Dino Ballotti has called on all sectors of society to play an active role in empowering the nation’s youth. Speaking at the launch of the tournament, Ballotti stressed that youth development must be a collective effort, championed by both the private and public sectors.

“This tournament embodies a shared vision for youth empowerment,” said Ballotti. “It empowers young people, and for that, we say thank you very much, Bank Windhoek.”

Since its inception in 2022, the tournament has been instrumental in creating pathways for young athletes. According to Bank Windhoek's executive Jacquiline Pack, nearly N$800 000 has been invested in the tournament. “More importantly,” she added, “the tournament has already produced 24 success stories - young players who have gone on to represent the Brave Warriors and various Namibian premier league teams. These stories prove that when we invest in youth, we unlock the full potential of our nation.”

Ramblers Club president Harald Hecht highlighted the tournament’s rising popularity and its firm place on the country's football calendar. This year, in a welcome change, participating teams will receive cash prizes instead of equipment, along with playing kits.



Fixtures and expansion

This year, the tournament will feature exciting matches in both Windhoek and Keetmanshoop. Six teams, including Ramblers, Julinho Athletic Club, Swallows, Kasaona, Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) and River Heights, will compete at Ramblers Stadium from 18 to 21 June.

Later in the month, the tournament heads south to Keetmanshoop’s Westdene Stadium from 27 to 29 June. The eight teams to clash for southern supremacy are Westside Football Academy and Aroab Football Academy from Karasburg, KFA (Rosh Pinah), Mariental Sport Club, Keetmnashoop's Koes Academy, Franz Beckenbauer Academy and Keetmanshoop Soccer Academy, along with Oranjemund Football Club.

Namibia Football Association (NFA) vice-president Murs Markus lauded Bank Windhoek’s efforts in expanding the tournament’s reach. “It’s encouraging to see this initiative growing beyond Windhoek to include northern and southern Namibia,” he said, urging communities to support the event. Entry to both venues is free.



Building futures

Bank Windhoek's executive Jacquiline Pack reiterated the bank’s commitment to youth and community development. “From grassroots to excellence, we remain committed to being a catalyst for community development and a connector of positive change,” she said.

In closing, deputy minister Ballotti renewed his call for sustained support: “Let us work together to create more opportunities like this, which continue to inspire and uplift young Namibians.”

The event was graced by the mayor of Keetmanshoop, Her Worship Annelize Knaus, chairperson of the Keetmanshoop town council management committee, Easter Isaak, as well as coaches and players from participating clubs.

The tournament continues to be a beacon of hope and a powerful example of how sport can drive youth development and national unity.