Tondoro Rural Federation Celebrates Four Seasons of Growth at End-of-Season Awards
The Tondoro Rural Federation has celebrated the conclusion of its fourth football season, honouring clubs, players, coaches, referees and other stakeholders who contributed to the growth of grassroots football during the 2025/2026 campaign.
The league officially ended on 12 July 2026, with the closing ceremony held yesterday at Siruwo Guest House in Katara village. The event brought together representatives of the eight participating teams and other football stakeholders to mark the end of the season and recognise the achievements of the clubs and individuals involved.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of prize money to the top-performing teams, while all eight participating clubs were also recognised for taking part in the competition.
LEO UNITED Football Academy were crowned champions and received N$2,700 in prize money. Prime Kambu FC finished runners-up and collected N$2,200
Sinyanga Palace FC took third place and received N$1,700.
Young Disappointer FC finished fourth and were awarded N$1,100.
The remaining four teams each received N$200 as a token of appreciation for their participation in the league.
As champions, LEO UNITED FA have also earned the opportunity to represent the Tondoro Rural Federation in the promotional play-offs for a place in the River Stream 3rd Division.
The federation’s end-of-season ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding performances while reflecting on the progress made since the competition was established four seasons ago.
On record, this is the fourth successful season completed by the federation, with its development reflected in the number of clubs that have progressed to higher levels of Namibian football.
Mutororo FC became the first major success story from the federation, earning promotion to the 3rd Division before progressing further to the 2nd Division, the region’s elite league.
Kambu United later followed, earning promotion to the River Stream 3rd Division, where they finished runners-up in the recently concluded 2025/2026 season.
Young Polo FC also made the step up to the 3rd Division but will return to the Tondoro Rural Federation for the 2026/2027 season following an unsuccessful campaign at the higher level.
The latest club to emerge from the federation is LEO UNITED FA, who claimed the 2025/2026 title and will now have an opportunity to continue that progression through the promotional play-offs.
The ceremony was about more than trophies and prize money, however, as it also celebrated talent, commitment, teamwork, discipline, friendship and the role football continues to play in bringing communities together.
All eight participating clubs were congratulated for their contribution to the season. Every training session, match, victory and defeat contributed to the continued development of football within the federation.
LEO UNITED FA were particularly congratulated for their championship-winning campaign, with their success attributed to hard work, discipline, teamwork and determination.
The champions were also reminded that success brings greater responsibility, with the club now expected to defend its reputation and inspire other young players and teams in the community.
Teams that did not achieve the results they wanted were encouraged not to be discouraged, but instead to use their experiences as motivation to improve and return stronger in the next campaign.
Players were recognised as the heart of the competition, with their dedication, passion and commitment to representing their clubs playing a central role in the success of the season.
Individual award winners were also congratulated, while being encouraged to use their achievements as motivation to continue improving and to become positive teammates and role models.
Coaches and team officials were thanked for their patience, commitment and sacrifices behind the scenes. Their work in preparing players and keeping clubs operational remains essential to the development of grassroots football.
Referees and match officials were also recognised for their contribution to organised football, with a call for players, coaches, officials and supporters to respect match officials and the laws of the game.
Supporters were urged to continue backing their teams while maintaining respect and sportsmanship, with the reminder that football should unite communities rather than create division.
Parents, families, community leaders and sponsors were equally thanked for investing in young people and supporting the development of football.
Looking ahead to the 2026/2027 season, the federation has identified discipline, fair play, proper administration, youth development and stronger cooperation between clubs as important areas for continued improvement.
Youth development was particularly highlighted through the example of LEO UNITED FA, while the federation acknowledged that the lack of proper football infrastructure remains one of the major challenges facing grassroots football.
The Kavango West Regional Football Association also attended the closing ceremony, represented by Andrias Sikongo Joseph, who delivered a speech on behalf of the regional association.
Sikongo Joseph recognised the efforts of the federation, clubs and other stakeholders involved in running the competition and encouraged them to continue working together to strengthen football at grassroots level.
The ceremony also emphasised that football is about much more than winning trophies. The sport teaches young people discipline, responsibility, teamwork, leadership and respect, while bringing communities together and creating pathways for talented players to progress to higher levels.
Quoting the late former South African president Nelson Mandela, the address highlighted the power of sport to inspire people and unite communities.
The federation’s executive committee and officials were also praised for their leadership and commitment to football development, particularly considering that their work is carried out without financial remuneration.
Their efforts were described as making the work of regional football leadership easier and positioning the Tondoro Rural Federation among the standout grassroots football structures in the region.
As the 2025/2026 season comes to an end, stakeholders were encouraged to celebrate their achievements, learn from their challenges and prepare for an even stronger 2026/2027 campaign.
For LEO UNITED FA, however, the season is not completely over. The champions now face another important challenge as they prepare to represent the Tondoro Rural Federation in the River Stream 3rd Division promotional play-offs.
The federation will hope that their success, together with the progress of clubs that have previously moved through its ranks, will continue to demonstrate the value of organised grassroots football in developing players and creating opportunities for local clubs.
With another season now complete, the focus shifts towards building on the progress already made and ensuring that the Tondoro Rural Federation continues to grow from strength to strength.
