Third division team Golden Stars FC emerged as the winners of the 2022/2023 season in the Oshana Village Based Football League (OVBFL) on Sunday.
They secured victory by defeating Tena City 3-0 in their penultimate match of the season.
The decisive OVBFL game took place at Ekolanaambo in the Oshana region. With this win, Golden Stars collected three points, bringing their total to 29 points in the OVBFL standings after playing 13 games.
Golden Stars will be competing in the second division next season. Mathews Hangula, the Head Coach of Golden Stars FC, expressed their ambition and objective of winning the OVBFL championship in an interview with Nampa on Monday.
“The plan is in place. We are aiming to maintain our consistency and reach higher divisions, such as the First Division and Debmarine Namibia Premiership,” said Hangula.
He emphasised that winning the league requires thorough preparation, effort and the commitment of players both on and off the training ground.
OVBFL chairperson Herman Paulus said the championship started in 2009 and aims to provide opportunities for teams wishing to compete in the Oshana region.
However, Paulus acknowledged the lack of sufficient support and various challenges, including the scarcity of sponsorship in the league.
“Community members play a vital role by providing soccer balls to support the league. Okapya Liner sponsored the trophies and medals for the winning team,” Paulus said.
Junias Johannes, the captain of Golden Stars, who has been with the team since their academy level, emphasised the importance of discipline in winning the league.
“We work hard to maintain our fitness levels so that we can take advantage of opponents’ fatigue during matches. However, sponsorship for transport is crucial, especially now that we have been promoted to the second division,” Johannes noted.
The competition also plays a significant role in advancing referees to the next level, while local business owners who attend matches have the opportunity to sell their goods, thereby benefiting from the event. – Nampa