Civics win U17 Youth League title 29.09.2007
Cortesy by Namibiasport
Civics I won the inaugural Khomas Under 17 League title when they beat Collin Benjamin Soccer Academy 2-1 on Saturday morning.
In a match of fine technical skills on both sides, Civics dominated the first half, to take a 2-0 lead at the break. But CBSA came back strongly in the second half and could have forced the match into extra time had they taken their chances.
Civics took the lead when an unmarked Shaun Titus headed in from close range in the box. With Civics spreading the ball wide to the flanks, they continued to attack and took a 2-0 lead just before halftime. An attack by Joseph Mingeli ended with a handball in CBSA's box and Civics striker Eslin Kamuhanga calmly put the ball into the back of the net.
CBSA came back strongly in the second half and opened their account shortly after the restart. Striker Wallace Gawanab latched onto a cross from the right and steered the ball into the net. Gawanab remained a thorn in Civics' defence, while winger Jantze wasted a good chance, blasting the ball over the net. In the dying minutes, Titus once again came close to scoring for Civics when his header was scrambled away, while Kamuhanga had a shot cleared off the line by CBSA midfielder Kawezembi.
After the match Civics were awarded a trophy and gold medals while CBSA received silver medals. Gustav Isaacks of CBSA won the Player's Player of the Tournament, while Ickuyaterua Tjozongoro of Shipena Stars won the Top Goalscorer of the Tournament award. Boeboe Markus of the Khomasdal Football Academy won the League Player of the Tournament award, while Namibia Sport editor Helge Schutz received the Most Committed Journalist award.
Scharnowski shows support
Civics president Helmuth Scharnowski remained in Windhoek to support the youth team, in stead of traveling to Walvis Bay for the senior side's opening league encounter against Blue Waters.
"We have capable people in charge of the senior team in Walvis Bay and it was very important to me to be here and to show my support for the youth team. This victory is another big milestone in the history of Civics. We have shown that good soccer does not fall from heaven, but comes from hard work. The final was a good game with a high technical standard. Civics were the winners but I want to congratulate CBSA as well, who were tough opponents," he said.
Scharnowski said that the future of Namibian soccer was on the right track. "The only way to be successful in the international arena is to have a strong youth development structure. There are now several schools who have entered the youth leagues and the development of youth soccer is now on the right track," he said.
Regarding the Premier League, Scharnowski said they were looking forward to the new season and he had faith in his youngsters to come through the ranks.
"We have lost some players but we have also made some good new signings. I am happy with our youngsters coming through the development structures and we have included four of them in the senior squad. We won't be hunting big name players from other clubs, but will rather develop our own players," he said. "Civics has a style and a philosophy and these youngsters understand how it works and how they fit in," he said. The Under 17 players that Scharnowski has drafted into the senior squad are goalkeeper Leroy Losper, midfielders Nelson Angula, Lovers Kumanga and Raymond Soreseb and striker Shaun Titus.