SKW retains u/21 football title in dramatic final
Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) successfully defended their title at the Bank Windhoek Ramblers u/21 Football Tournament, edging past Swallows in a thrilling final that ended in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in Windhoek.The high-stakes encounter saw both teams reduced to 10 men following red cards, adding to the intensity of a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The penalty decider saw SKW emerge victorious once again, much to the delight of their jubilant coach Lucky Kakuva, who praised the organisers and sponsors for a “well-run tournament”.
The win keeps SKW on track to claim the trophy permanently should they win a third consecutive title in 2026.
In the semi-finals, Swallows defeated Ramblers 2-1, while SKW overpowered Julinho 4-1 to set up the tense final showdown. Julinho clinched third place after beating Ramblers on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
The tournament awarded N$22 500 in prize money, with SKW taking home N$10 000, Swallows N$7 500, and Julinho N$5 000. Teams also received medals and the coveted floating trophy.
Individual accolades included:
Top scorers: Cruz Uwu-Khaeb (SKW), Shemeul Eduard Kasongo Nkosi (Ramblers), Jesco Namiseb (Swallows)
Best goalkeeper: Sem Moses (SKW)
Best young player: Chris Eiseb (Swallows)
Held from 18 to 21 June, the fourth edition of the tournament featured six teams: Ramblers, Julinho, Swallows, Kasaona, SKW, and River Heights.
Kakuva lauded the platform for nurturing emerging talent. “We are honoured to compete in this tournament and look forward to 2026. Thanks to Bank Windhoek and Ramblers for the opportunity,” he said.
The tournament now heads south for the first time, with the Keetmanshoop edition set for 27 to 29 June at Westdene Stadium, where eight teams from across the //Kharas Region will compete for regional bragging rights.