Mighty Gunners crowned Standard Bank Top 8 champions
Mighty Gunners coach Leonard Nambandi has hailed his players following their 2-1 victory over Unam FC in the final of the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup.
Unam's only goal of the match was scored by Shaun Rugam, while Mutani Kariseb and Indji Moses were on target for Mighty Gunners.
The "Men in Uniform" came from a goal down to seal a famous victory at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Nambandi expressed satisfaction with his players following the triumph.
"We are very proud of the players for the heroics they have shown throughout the tournament.
"We went a goal down in the final, but the players' never-say-die attitude earned us a comeback," Nambandi said.
Gunners, who finished third in the Namibia Premier Football League at the end of the season, have been a team that gradually improved throughout the campaign.
Their hard work paid off with a piece of silverware at the end of the season.
"The good thing is that this team has been working hard, and the results have shown over time.
"We knew we needed to have a good finish to the season, and the players delivered.
"I think this is a sign that we are going to be a formidable side during the next campaign."
Mighty Gunners and Unam were among the eight teams that started the competition.
African Stars, Eleven Arrows, Eeshoke Chula Chula, Blue Waters, KK Palace and Ongos FC were also part of the tournament.
Unam and Gunners, however, brushed aside some of the teams many expected to reach the final and instead contested this year's inaugural showpiece.
Unam coach Robert Nauseb was disappointed by the defeat but praised his players for reaching the final.
"It is disappointing that we could not win the cup, but I am proud of the players for reaching the final.
"It was not an easy journey, but the players and the team prevailed to get here.
"The best team on the day was not us, and we could have done better," Nauseb told Sport Wrap.
The coach remains adamant that his youthful squad will have a bright future.
"This is not the end of the road for the boys, and the future is bright.
"We lost a cup final, but we have to pick ourselves up and work on getting back to our best next season.
"There are many things to challenge for as a team, and we will remain competitive and committed."
Rewards
Mighty Gunners' victory earned them N$600 000, while Unam FC received N$300 000 for finishing runners-up.
Ongos FC and Eleven Arrows each received N$100 000 for bowing out in the semifinals.
Given Mutuezu of Mighty Gunners walked away with N$20 000 as the Player of the Tournament.
Shaun Rugam of Unam was awarded the Top Goalscorer prize of N$10 000.
The Goalkeeper of the Tournament award went to Beverly Shetukana of Mighty Gunners, who took home N$10 000.
About the cup
Standard Bank sponsored a total of N$2.5 million for the tournament, which saw the top eight teams in the league battle for top honours.
The matches were first played in Swakopmund before moving to Outjo and later Windhoek.
NFA spokesperson Cassius Moeti said he was pleased with how the tournament was organised.
"It was a good tournament, and we are happy with how things turned out.
"We would like to thank Standard Bank Namibia for the initiative, and we hope to continue with this tournament going forward," Moeti said.
