Goals and more

THERE won’t be anything better to spice up your weekend than seeing plenty of goals at The Namibian Newspaper Cup football competition this weekend.

That is if you are a real football fanatic, which most of you are, considering the popularity of the game in the country.
The competition which pits the best under-20 players from all the regions, comes to the city this weekend.
It will have plenty of drama and action as usual, but an ordinary football fanatic will be looking forward to a great goals and stylish play from these youngsters.
The event is a family affair for the ones who want to have an eventful weekend, but it will be real work for the players who will slug it out for top honours.
The top honours will be to lay their hands on that magnificent trophy that was specially designed for this edition. A half-moon-shaped silver shiny piece that weighs just over a kilogram.
But before they do that, they need to entertain the traditionally vocal fans with their abundance of skill.
Coupled with that they surely need to bang in goals that will make the difference for their teams.
Goals are not fun to watch if they are not created through some awesome dribbling skills from creative midfielders and sweet crosses from players running the 400, the killer stretch.
A match is also not competitive if the defenders are poor in their play, and the goalkeepers not on high alert.
These ingredients have not been lacking in this competition over the years and with increased competition and a better quality of football, much can be expected this year.
Interestingly, these young players are almost finished products as they possess the basic skills and I bet you some even have an incredible ‘first touch’ compared to some of the senior players.
The reason is that the tempo of these games is so upbeat and players tend to do almost the impossible with the ball.
They do the amazing things that can make you excited, while some of it can make you wonder.
I remember a player at the 2003 tournament in Gobabis, who dribbled his way from his own half, past the opposition’s midfield and defence, only to shoot the ball miles wide from the goal. That after beating the goalkeeper too!
This young man was replaced after just two minutes and his substitute came on to score the winner as they were tied at 1-all.
This time, there will be even more surprises, but hopefully not in that fashion of missing the target, but the mesmerising dribbling skills are what we will be looking for.
In the absence of premiership matches in Windhoek, everyone is invited to go and watch the action unfold at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura this weekend.
People from far-flung suburbs such as Kleine Kuppe, Olympia, Pionierspark, Klein Windhoek, Hochlandpark, Eros and Cimbebasia are most welcome to the games and there will be tight security at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
If you are coming to Windhoek, drop in at the stadium and see what these young players can do.
You can come and enjoy some ‘kapana’ and root for any region of your choice.
After all, it will be free of charge and you can enjoy the games from the luxurious stadium which gives you a great view from whichever angle you are watching from.
To all the officials and the players, let it be another memorable one and may the best team win. I will put my money on Khomas. I am taking no bets.
corry@namibian.com.na