Windhoek Gymnasium, WAP set up U19 title showdown
King Price Windhoek Gymnasium and Autohaus Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP) will contest the Momentum MYZONE NSSR U19 Super League final after both sides secured victories in Saturday's semi-finals.
Windhoek Gymnasium overcame surprise package PSG Roots Gymnasium 50–29, while WAP produced a strong second-half comeback to defeat defending champions the OK Foods Bere 43–22.
At Windhoek Gymnasium, the league leaders went into half-time with a 27–17 advantage over Roots before pulling away after the break to secure their place in the final.
The match was marred by two red cards, with Roots forward Operi Katjitundu sent off in the first half. The referee indicated that the dismissal was for a punch.
Roots were further reduced to 13 players late in the match when Joshua Platt received a red card for striking an opponent with an elbow.
Windhoek Gymnasium maintained control to complete a 50–29 victory and reach the final.
Captain JD Jankowitz was delighted with his team's performance and praised the players for their efforts throughout the campaign.
"I'm very proud of my guys. I can't describe it," he said.
Jankowitz, who helped guide his side to the final, said there was still one important step remaining.
"There's still one step ahead to take. Next week is the final, and I was well prepared for this final this year. I'm just incredibly proud of my guys."
For Roots, the semi-final brought an end to an impressive first season in the U19 Premier League. The newcomers finished fourth in the regular season before reaching the Super League semi-finals in their debut campaign.
The Roots captain said the experience would provide valuable lessons for the young squad.
"It was a good game, but the result didn't go our way. We kept on fighting until the end. It was a good experience coming into this season for the first time."
He said the team would return next season determined to build on its historic campaign.
"We're still looking forward to coming back next year and bringing our hearts out. I'm proud of my boys. We kept on fighting and pushing every day."
In the other Super League semi-final, the OK Foods Bere led 15–14 at half-time against WAP before the Windhoek side turned the match around after the break to win 43–22.
The Bere's hopes of defending their title ended after the second-half turnaround, with flank Keyo Kruger also receiving a red card late in the match for a tip-tackle.
WAP's victory sets up a final between the top two teams from the regular season. Windhoek Gymnasium finished first with 75 points, while WAP were second on 73.
A League
Windhoek High School and Hollard Tsumeb Gymnasium will contest the U19 A League final after winning their respective semi-finals.
WHS defeated InSpares Pro-Ed Academy 32–14 after taking a commanding 19–0 lead into half-time.
Tsumeb Gymnasium, meanwhile, produced a comeback to defeat Farmstyle Elnatan Private School 29–22 in an intense encounter.
The results set up an A League final between WHS and Tsumeb Gymnasium, while Windhoek Gymnasium and WAP will battle for the U19 Super League title next weekend.
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