Erongo’s under-20 football team has been hailed for its determination and unity after defeating Kunene 2-1 to win the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup at Keetmanshoop.
Responding to questions by The Namibian Sport, team manager Daniel Mouton says: “A lot has happened from the start of the preparation of the tournament, which has helped us with a successful campaign.
“This is a milestone, an achievement that we have worked so hard for, with support from all stakeholders and the governor’s office.”
Mouton says the Erongo Regional Football Association’s executive committee has been working hard, since being elected in 2025, to bring back the Newspaper Cup.
“The journey has been tough battling for the bragging rights. The Gods heard our prayers and we were crowned champions. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone that has been part of our journey until the end. We celebrate this win with you,” Mouton says.
“It was a tense moment, coming from behind to win the title. The moment the final whistle blew, I couldn’t believe the score. It felt as if I was still dreaming. It was an exciting moment and I didn’t know whether to celebrate or cry. It was a proud moment, I reflected on it and realised that Erongo is the best from the 14 regions.”
He says the tournament came with its own challenges and all 14 teams were determined and ready to win the cup.
“We were the most determined side with our governor’s voice in our heads. We pushed harder like hungry wild dogs for the title. These kind of tournaments are always hard and never taken lightly, only the best compete,” Mouton stresses.
“Yes each and every game has its challenges, tactically and technically, what we did was adapt, absorb and then counter played them on their own game tactics with a little Erongo magic in it.”
He adds: “Definitely the 12 seconds before the final whistle equaliser, that was an eccentric moment. The pendulum changer, the power shifting moment. That moment decided the fate of the game.”
Mouton says the best thing about those moments was how everything went in accordance.
“My coaches are a tough team to crack. I trust my technical team, gave them the freedom to express their knowledge, they implemented, executed and it was proof that it brought us the promise they went for.
“It is of great pleasure from my side to have worked with the technical team, they had everything combined.”
He says challenges are meant to be overcomed if you are focused, adding that differences set aside allow for a common goal.
“That definitely was the key factor for the success in this tournament.We ensured that each player had his opinion, identity and was respected with a sense of belonging. The spirit of Erongo was in the camp. They were united as a team and everyone had the same vision.”
Mouton says the unsung heroes are the team’s supporters and Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses.
He says his team remained focused on the ultimate goal, emphasising recovery and team-building, while drawing motivation from the spirit and support of the Erongo Region, as well as criticism and the drive to achieve.
“The vision and aim was projected and that’s what we ate, drank and slept.
“We already started with our celebration on our arrival at Swakopmund the morning of the 7 April when we were welcomed by our supporters, the governor, the Erongo Regional Council chairperson and the Swakopmund mayor.
“Later on we had a motor parade through the streets of Swakopmund until the Multipurpose Complex, where we had an official welcome by the governor.”
He adds that both the netball and soccer teams, including their technical teams, were given cash incentives by the governor, which the whole team appreciated. “We will hopefully do a regional tour with the cup if necessary.”
“We want to defend the cup in the Erongo region next year and let me quote the words of our beloved governor: ‘The cup is back after 14 years and it must stay in Erongo for the next 14 years and beyond’.
“The second goal is to make sure that the Erongo region stays united despite the differences. Another goal is to make make sure that development of football happens in the region in terms of players, coaches and administrators.”
He says winning the cup was an indication that the team is on the right path.
“Looking at all those participants, committed and passionate, is the biggest achievement and we would like to keep the little we have pushed to achieve for more improvement,” Mouton says.
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