Zebaldt Ngaruka
Fifteen schools in Omaheke competed in the annual Namibia Schools SportsUnion football and netball tournament, held at Otjinene’s Otjiuaneho Primary School (PS) this past weekend.
The primary schools that participated are Otjiuaneho, C. Ngatjizeko, Usiel Ndjavera, Morukutu PS, Omuhaturua, Good Hope PS, Ben van der Walt, Gobabis Project School, Dr. Fischer, Mutsumi, Helena PS, Ernst Meyer, Gquaina, Drimiopsis and Hipo PS.
The respective schools, while promoting sporting activities, raised funds to develop the schools’ needs.
Otjiuaneho PS’ sports organiser Kaurarere Uanivi said the schools competed in the U/13 and 15 age groups in both football and netball.
“We expose our children’s talent through these types of tournaments. The spirit of togetherness among different schools, staff and learners in the region is observed, which is important for the region,” said Uanivi.
Otjiuaneho PS aims to expand its hostel and classrooms due to the increasing population of learners.
The participating schools registered with N$500 for football, whereas N$350 was for netball enrolment.
“We also had a beauty pageant, where each contestant paid N$100 to partake in the beauty show. We requested two learners from each school, and we added an Oviritje concert to generate more funds for our school,” added Uanivi.
In the U/15 football category, Mutsumi defeated Otjiuaneho 1-0 in the first semi-final.
This was followed by a highly-contested match between Drimiopsis and Dr Fisher, which ended in a goalless stalemate. However, Drimiopsis emerged 3-2 on penalties and booked their place in the final.
Mutsumi was then crowned champion after beating Drimiopsis 8-7 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time.
The champion took home a trophy, N$2500 and 20 gold medals, while Drimiopsis pocketed N$1 200 and 20 silver medals.
Otjiuaneho walked away with N$900 for bagging third place.
The football U/13 category final went to C. Ngatjizeko, which overcame Usiel Ndjavera 7-6 on penalties after a goalless stalemate.
C. Ngatjizeko took home a trophy in addition to a N$1 000 cash prize, whereas Usiel Ndjavera pocketed N$800 as runners-up.
Also, the two schools took home 20 gold and 20 silver medals, respectively.
Drimiopsis stunned Epukiro’s Good Hope PS 20-12 in the first U/15 netball semi-final, and reserved their place in the final.
The second semifinal saw C. Ngatjizeko go up against Mutsumi. Mutsumi stunned their opponents with an 18-8 scoreline.
The Kalahari-based Drimiopsis clinched the netball competition and took home a trophy as well as 12 gold medals, in addition to N$1 500 in cash.
Mutsumi, the runners-up, settled for N$1 000 cash and 12 silver medals, whereas Good Hope walked away with N$600 as third-place comers.
In the U/13 netball category, Kalahari’s Ernst Meyer was crowned champions following their victory against Aminuis-based Dr. Fischer.
In addition to a trophy, Ernst Meyer pocketed N$900 and 12 gold medals, while N$500 and 12 silver medals were given to Dr. Fischer as runners-up.
Uanivi said they have achieved their targets in terms of funds generated.
“I have to thank all participants for their efforts, and for painting a colourful sporting weekend at our school,” he said.
Uanivi further said the school needs computers in its laboratory to integrate ICT into learning.
“This is one of the major short-term needs that we would like to have at our school. Since we are in a remote area, we also need a bus for the school,” said the sports organiser.
In terms of sports facilities at the school, Uanivi added that the netball court needs to be upgraded.
Otjombinde-based Helena PS will host the next event in August after the second school term break.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com