More developmental tournaments needed - Kasaona
After winning the inaugural Bank Windhoek Rambler’s u/21 soccer tournament, Kasaona Football Academy (KFA) owner Uerikondjera Kasaona said that tournaments of this magnitude are essential to sports and youth development.“It brought the best out of my young players as we continuously assess their development and progress,” she said. “The goal is to see players progress from grassroots to matured national and ultimately international players.”
In 2017, Kasaona established KFA to keep youngsters off the street and to develop young soccer players of both genders.
Last Saturday the KFA defeated Ramblers on penalties to win the Bank Windhoek Rambler's u/21 soccer tournament. With few chances for goals during regular play, the game ended in a goalless draw and had to be decided on penalties. However, KFA won the shootout 4-3.
“It was a tough tournament, but we prevailed,” said KFA’s captain, Tuazuvirua Toromba. He said they were proud to be part of the tournament. “It brought us and the fans together, which is a testament that soccer brings people together,” while thanking Bank Windhoek for the sponsorship.
KFA’s defensive midfielder Ngero Katua won the Player of the Tournament award, while Ramblers’ defender Jack Parker won the Young Player of the Tournament award. Rambler’s goalkeeper Josef Philipus won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, while Simon Elago of Swallows, Solomon Negumbo of Ramblers, and Muzeu Muzeu of KFA shared the Top Goal Scorer award, with three goals each.
Hosted at the Ramblers sports ground, the tournament kicked off on Friday, 22 April 2022, and concluded on Saturday. Eight teams participated, namely Ramblers, Athletic Club Football Academy, Sport Klub Windhoek, Deutscher Turn und Sportverein, Fortis Football Academy, Kaizen Football Academy, Swallows Football Club, and Kasaona Football Academy.
Bank Windhoek’s Bronwyn Moody congratulated the participating teams for excellent performances during the tournament. “As a connector of positive change, it is an honour to witness what this tournament meant to the participating teams. We wish the players the best as they continue developing their soccer skills.”
The vice-chairperson of the Ramblers Soccer Club, Alessandro Micheletti, said that the event exceeded their expectations. “We were super excited to host the tournament and everything was well organised from all parties involved,” he said.
He added that the tournament could go on to be an excellent platform for players to showcase their talents.