Windhoek: Keetmanshoop Football Academy on Sunday successfully defended its Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under-21 Football Tournament title after defeating Mariental Sport Club 2-0 in the Keetmanshoop Edition final at the J. Stephanus Stadium in Tseiblaagte. According to Namibia Press Agency, in a media statement issued on Monday, Bank Windhoek announced that Aroab Football Academy secured third place, while Westside Football Club of Karasburg finished fourth. The top three teams received prize money of N$10 000, N$7 500, and N$5 000, respectively. The statement detailed that the three-day tournament brought together eight teams from southern Namibia, featuring 16 matches played over 16 hours of football. A total of 184 players participated, and 32 goals were scored during the event. Bank Windhoek further explained that the Keetmanshoop tournament was part of the 2026 Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under-21 Football Tournament, with a sponsorship of N$300 000. The overall competition included 14 teams, with six competin g in Windhoek and eight in Keetmanshoop. Bank Windhoek Strategic Communications Manager, Samuel Linyondi, remarked on the talent and potential of young footballers from southern Namibia, noting that this year's edition had the highest attendance since the tournament began five years ago. Keetmanshoop Football Academy coach Shetu Thomas expressed appreciation for the initiative, highlighting its importance as a platform for young players to showcase their talent. He mentioned that part of the team's prize money will reward the players, while the remainder will be invested in training equipment for the upcoming Third Division season. Ramblers Club chairperson Klaus van Niel and ||Kharas Regional Football Chairperson Emrico Blaauw also praised Bank Windhoek for its continued support of youth football development.