The Namibia Football Association, through its Talent Development Scheme, has applauded the successful completion of the Under-15 National Team Trials, which took place over the weekend.
The two-day trials, hosted in Windhoek, aimed to scout and select the most promising young players to represent Namibia in upcoming youth tournaments.
The organizing committee described the level of competition as outstanding, noting that the young athletes showcased impressive skill, discipline, and teamwork throughout the event.
Committee members praised the regional coaches and parents for their continued support, highlighting that such events play a crucial role in developing grassroots football and strengthening the national youth structures.
Event Coordinator for the NFA, Woody Jacobs, stated: "You just don't come to championships such as these to come play on the weekend and then it's done. You cannot develop football like this. We need to play more regularly. We need to scout and also give everyone a chance and not just [select] from your school or from your club because that has been the tendency in our country-that we only look at our clubs. But when you are a regional coach, gone is the cap of the club. If you are a National coach, gone is the cap of your region; you start thinking broadly."
They added that the enthusiasm and determination displayed by the players are a clear reflection of Namibia's growing football potential and a bright future for the sport.
Woody Jacobs also mentioned, "When we fail, we learn, and we can only get better, so this will be an annual event. But also, its not just picking them, playing trials, and bringing a team here. It must be through regular competition, through leagues in the Under-15 and the Under-17 and even Under-13. So the CAF African Schools tournament has Under-13 and Under15, so next year we will be adding Under-13."
The event brought together talented boys and girls from all 14 regions, creating a spirited atmosphere filled with energy, excitement, and national pride.
Finally, Woody Jacobs concluded: "So in all honesty, I'm very proud of what they have achieved-Khomas walking away with both honours. But for me, the most important thing here was talent identification, and we saw 210 girls and 210 boys coming to Windhoek and showcasing their skills. I'm sure with this process that we've done, it's not all the best talent that could come to Windhoek. It's what we could put together because we also must remember that some regions are very remote from one another-I mean, the towns and villages are very remote from each other, and you won't get a team together. Also, remember these are school-going kids, and to keep them in camp for a long time was also a process."
As the trials conclude, Namibia takes another confident step toward shaping its next generation of football stars, proof that the future of Namibian football is in capable young hands.