KATRINA GOWASES The Baby Warriors' triumph in Mauritius at the 2017 Cosafa U-17 Championships on Sunday has been partially attributed to Skorpion Zinc’s support. NFA President Frans Mbidi said that more investments of this sort are needed to ensure the gradual transition of the boys into Brave Warriors in years to come. Namibia's under-17 side beat South Africa 3-1 on penalties after a one-all draw in regular time to bring the first ever success at junior level to Namibian football, and replicating what the seniors did last year in South Africa at the regional tournament. Frans Mbidi heaped praise on the investment made into youth football by government and other partners, particularly Skorpion Zinc. “When Skorpion Zinc came on board about four years ago and we had the first edition at Keetmanshoop and then in Windhoek and Tsumeb last year, the idea was always to make sure that we identified players who can make us proud. It is a fact that Namibia is packed with talented youngsters who only need platforms to display their talents and that is what this partnership is about” said Mbidi. “About 90% of these champions were identified in Tsumeb last year and we kept them together and here they are. Some never believed in them but they believed in themselves and have now made themselves heroes and the nation proud. It is something that can only be replicated and improved upon and they have laid the foundation. Now they can go on and become better and better”, added Mbidi. The tournament's second top goal-scorer, Mbakondja Tjahikika, featured for Erongo Region last year at Tsumeb. He scored four goals, while team captain Dawid Morgan JR scored three goals and played for Khomas region last year.