Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture, Dino Ballotti, emphasised that youth development is a collective responsibility, urging both private and public sectors to provide opportunities for young people. He made these remarks during the launch of the Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under 21 Football Tournament, which aims to empower youth through sports and has already seen success stories of players advancing to higher levels.
“This tournament has a shared vision for youth empowerment. It empowers young people, and for that, we say thank you very much, Bank Windhoek,” he said. Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, Jacquiline Pack, announced that since the tournament’s inception in 2022, the Bank has invested nearly N$800,000. “More importantly, the tournament has already yielded 24 success stories—young players who have gone on to represent the Brave Warriors and various Namibian Premier League teams. These stories prove that when we invest in youth, we unlock the full potential of our nation,” said Pack, adding that Bank Windhoek recognises the decisive role of sports in society.
Ramblers Club President Harald Hecht said the tournament has grown in popularity and cemented its place on the local football calendar. He also announced that this year, cash prize money will be introduced instead of equipment, and each participating team will also receive a playing kit.
Exciting football fixtures lined up
The tournament will be held in Windhoek and Keetmanshoop. Six teams will compete from 18 to 21 June 2025 at Ramblers Stadium in Windhoek: Ramblers, Julinho Athletic Club, Swallows, Kasaona, Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW), and River Heights. The Keetmanshoop edition will have eight teams competing from 27 to 29 June 2025 at the Westdene Stadium. Karasburg (Westside Football Academy), Aroab (Aroab Football Academy), Rosh Pinah (KFA), Mariental (Mariental Sport Club), Koes (Koes Academy), Keetmanshoop (Franz Beckenbauer Academy), Oranjemund (Orangemund FC), and Keetmanshoop (Keetmanshoop Soccer Academy), will battle it out for bragging rights in the south.
The Bank Windhoek Ramblers Under 21 Football Tournament began in Windhoek. It has since expanded its footprint, reaching Northern and Southern Namibia. The Namibia Football Association Vice-President, Murs Markus, commended the Bank for ensuring that the tournament travels across the country. He further called upon all community members to come out in full support, as the entrance to both tournament venues in Windhoek and Keetmanshoop is free of charge. Pack concluded that Bank Windhoek proudly support initiatives that uplift, educate, and empower. “From grassroots to excellence, we remain committed to being a catalyst for community development and a connector of positive change,” she said.
In concluding remarks, the Deputy Minister urged the public and private sectors to do more youth empowerment initiatives. “Let us work together to create more opportunities like this, which continue to inspire and uplift young Namibians,” he said. The event was also attended by the Keetmanshoop Mayor, Her Worship Annelize Knaus, the Chairperson of the Keetmanshoop Town Council Management Committee, Easter Isaak, coaches and players from different clubs.