Limba Mupetami
Paheja Siririka
GOBABIS – Omusati won the 2024 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup football tournament.
Despite the scorching heat in Gobabis, both Omusati and Kavango East showed remarkable resilience as they clashed in the cup final at the Legare Stadium in Gobabis on Monday.
Following a full 90 minutes of play, neither team managed to break the deadlock, resulting in a goalless draw. The intensity escalated as the match proceeded into extra time, yet neither side could secure a decisive goal, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the end, Omusati emerged victorious, triumphing 3-1 in the penalty shootout.
Omusati coach Shipena Nakalondo was ecstatic with the win, saying his players deserved it.
In the netball competition, Khomas claimed their third consecutive netball title.
They scored a 47-25 victory against Oshana.
Team captain Kevian Alcock said the only stronghold they had was teamwork and communication on the court.
“It is just teamwork, being together as one unit and good spirit. The hunger to win made us fully aware of what’s at stake,” she said. Alcock added that another important element of the sport is remaining calm.
Coach Enrica Farmer said they could not be happier after retaining the trophy.
“We worked hard and are equally proud of Oshana; they did well. Props to the coach and technical team. We knew that it would be a physical game, and that’s why I prepared the girls beforehand,” stated Farmer.
She concurred with Alcock that what set them apart was teamwork and perseverance as defending champions.
“From the start, I said the girls are good individually, but they need to work together as a team. I said the umpires will be very strict; hence, they need to be there for one another,” added the excited coach.
She committed herself to being part of the agents of positive change in netball in the country.
“We still need to focus on the development of netball in the country. There is talent here,” concluded Farmer.
– psiririka@nepc.com.na