Sheefeni Nikodemus
29 April 2011
The success of Komesho FC is thanks to The Namibian Newspaper Cup, NFA secretary general Barry Rukoro said yesterday.
According to Rukoro, the team – which won the 2011 Metropolitan Under-19 Premier Cup in Cape Town during Easter – is entirely made up of players unearthed from the previous two editions of Namibia’s premier youth football development tournament.
Last year the core of the team lost to Zambia in the Cosafa under-20 final, but they have since shrugged off that heartache to record their first international success.
The team yesterday paraded their trophy at The Namibian’s premises, and editor Gwen Lister was delighted with their achievement.
“Every one of them has played in the Newspaper Cup,” enthused Rukoro. “This shows that the Newspaper Cup has played a very important role in their development.”
Lister said she was proud of the boys and that they needed to remain focused in order to achieve more.
“We are thrilled to see the impact that the Newspaper Cup has had on you,” she said. “Don’t rest on your laurels now that you have achieved this. The key to success is hard work, discipline and passion.”
Rukoro said the football association had big plans for the talented youngsters, who they hope will make the transition to senior football in the near future. The Brave Warriors are in a dismal state at the moment and look in need of young blood to revive their fortunes.
Komesho team captain Sydney Urikhob said they intend to make the step up to the senior team soon.
“Our focus will be to get into the Brave Warriors,” said Urikhob.
The team is coached by Bernard Kaanjuka, assisted by Ricardo Manetti and team manager Jakes Amaning.
“In two or three years’ time we will have a very competitive team,” said Rukoro.
“I’m hoping to see you crack it in the Brave Warriors and maybe make it abroad,” added Lister.
AllAfrica – All the Time