Keetmanshoop Football Academy retains Bank Windhoek Under-21 title

Keetmanshoop Football Academy successfully defended its title at the Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under-21 Football Tournament's Keetmanshoop edition.

The defending champions beat Mariental Sport Club 2-0 in the final at the J. Stephanus Stadium in Tseiblaagte on Sunday.

Aroab Football Academy finished third, while Westside Football Club of Karasburg came fourth. The top three teams received prize money of N$10,000, N$7,500 and N$5,000, respectively.

The three-day tournament featured eight teams from southern Namibia. A total of 16 matches were played, with 184 players taking part and 32 goals scored.

The participating teams were Keetmanshoop Football Academy, Theodore Football Club, Mariental Sport Club, Westside Football Club, Franz Beckenbauer Football Academy, Oranjemund Football Academy, Kaizen Football Academy and Aroab Football Academy.

The Keetmanshoop competition formed part of the 2026 Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under-21 Football Tournament, supported through a N$300,000 sponsorship from Bank Windhoek. The tournament featured 14 teams overall, with six competing in Windhoek and eight in Keetmanshoop.

The youngest player in the tournament was 16 years old, while the final was officiated by an all-female refereeing team.

Bank Windhoek Strategic Communications Manager Samuel Linyondi said the tournament had once again highlighted the quality of young footballers in southern Namibia.

"The level of talent, discipline, ball control and football intelligence displayed by many of the players was impressive. This year's tournament also attracted the largest attendance since its launch five years ago, reflecting growing support for youth football in the south," he said.

Linyondi thanked the Keetmanshoop community, particularly residents of Tseiblaagte, for supporting the tournament.