Zebaldt Ngaruka
OZOMBOUVAPA – Okatuuo and Fine Young Stars were respectively crowned football and netball champions of the recently-ended third edition of the Omaheke Top 20 competition held at Khomasdal Stadium in the capital on Sunday.
The tournament was played by 20 village teams from Aminuis, Epukiro, Otjinene and Otjombinde, with provision given to Evara United based in Otjozondjupa region’s Gam settlement.
Okatuuo pocketed N$12 000 and 22 gold medals, while 22 silver medals were given to Renamo Bucks plus N$7 000 cash as runners-up.
The two semifinalists, Otjeue and Okauua Rovers, pocketed N$3 000 each.
Fine Young Stars were crowned netball champions after beating Eastern Swallows 37-30 in a highly contested final. The champions walked away with a trophy and N$5 000 cash prize, as well as 14 gold medals, while Eastern Swallows settled for N$2 500 and 14 silver medals as runner-ups.
Okatuuo Ladies and Otjinoko each pocketed N$1 250 for ending third in the competition.
There were additional accolades in both football and netball categories. Football team Renamo Bucks’ Kaitjoo Hange won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, while Okatuuo’s Stanley Ndjavera took the Coach of the Tournament award.
Okatuuo defender Tjiunatjo Kakuenje shared the Young Player of the Tournament award with Renamo Bucks’ Ukapita Katjinaani.
Kakuenje also scooped the Best Disciplined Player and Player of the Tournament awards, while the Best Midfielder award went to Kavee Tjiundje of Renamo Bucks. Lele Korupanda walked away with Player of the Match in the final, whereas Toure Tjirondero took the Best Defender accolade.
Fine Young Stars’ Tuvemue Kavetuna secured the Player of the Tournament in the netball category.
Another Fine Young Stars player, Tjikarerera Uamburu, scooped the Young Player of the Netball competition award, while Eastern Swallows coach Ndona Hekemo clinched the Coach of the Tournament accolade. Eastern Swallows’s Globin Majova won the Best Goal Defender award, whereas the Best Mid-Court accolade went to Jehumba Hambira from champions Fine Young Stars.
Sister Kahuikee from the champions scooped the Player of the Match in the final.
The best performers were issued with certificates. – zngaruka@yahoo.com