The Okakarara constituency will host the renowned Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah football and netball tournament this weekend. The event will be hosted at the Okakarara Vocational Training Centre sports field. The Cup debuted last year in Opuwo, with over 40 football and netball teams competing for a total of N$100 000. 

The event has since spread to other parts of the country, including the Omusati and Kavango regions, with plans to further expand to all 14 regions.

Tournament chairperson Collin Ngujapeua confirmed that the tournament will go ahead this weekend, involving just the constituency teams.

“Okakarara is ready. W are prepared as we await the constituency teams to partake in sportsmanship behaviour, while elevating the name and standards of the constituency in terms of sports growth,” he said.

The tournament intends to expand, promote and strengthen sports among the constituency’s young people, while also giving a platform for them to explore their abilities, and participate in youth development endeavours through sports. “This will provide an equal platform and opportunity for everyone involved. Next year, we might host this event in Okondjatu, Okamatapati or Otjituuo,” he said.

Ngujapeua stated that they expect 18 netball and football teams to participate and expect to finish on Sunday. A total of N$40 000 will be up for grabs in both categories, with netball competing for N$16 000, and football receiving the largest portion of N$24 000.

The registration cost has been set at a level to encourage more teams to participate, with netball teams reserving tickets for N$250, and football teams paying N$500. The netball champions will get N$6 500 and a trophy, the runner-up will receive N$4 500, and the semi-finalists will get N$2 500 apiece. 

The winning football team will earn N$13 000 and a trophy, the runner-up will get N$7 000, and the semi-finalists will each pocket N$2 000 for their efforts. 

-Nampa