Football pundit welcome COPA Coca-Cola

By John Tuerijama

FOOTBALL pundit and former Brave Warriors’ midfielder Rudy Louw said the introduction of the COPA  Coca-Cola football championships for schools in the regions is an overwhelming development.

Louw told this publication that when he was growing up in Windhoek as a young boy he had the opportunity to attend the Khomasdal football academy that helped shaped his footballing skill.

He attributed his football talent to having had basic classes but was quick to say that there is a huge difference between Namibia’s Brave Warriors and countries like Senegal who on a monthly basis produce football stars.

He argued that the under 15 football tournament must continue however suggesting that more tournaments for the lower age groups must be introduced.

Louw added that the likes of Neymar Jr, Kylian Mbappe  were world football stars at the age-of-19-years meaning that these players had introduction to the basics of football.

“Its important for the schools to introduce full time coaches and not depend on teachers who are at times busy with other responsibilities.”

He said that there are football clubs with talented players and can rope in these under 15 footballers from school because then they (boys) will have matches to play over the weekend.

“These boys want to play like the Riaan Cloete when they grow up and must be encouraged to concentrate on the talent with the help of their teachers,” emphasized Louw.

The maiden COPA Coca-Cola  tournament will see the winning teams from the regions competing in the national final pencilled for 26 and 27 June while a national team will be selected to vie for the Africa Cup later this year.