Zebaldt Ngaruka 

AMINUIS – Kajalami FC, from Otjongombe village, won the fifth edition of the Aminuis Winter Cup football tournament held at Rietquelle and Apollo Tlabanello sports grounds in the Omaheke region. 

The prestigious competition saw 16 football teams participating, while four netball teams turned up for the tournament, known among the popular events in the Aminuis constituency. 

In the football category, Okovimburu FC from Epukiro constituency defeated Omongua-based Otjeue City 4-3 on penalties following a one-all draw in the regulation time of the competition’s first semifinal encounter. 

Kajalami then stunned Rietquelle A by a solitary goal in the second semifinal to book their spot in the final against Okovimburu. In the exciting final, the two teams held each other and produced a stalemate (0-0) result in regulation time. 

Kajalami FC was then crowned Aminuis Winter Cup football champions after overcoming Okovimburu 4-3 on penalties. 

In addition to the trophy, the champions pocketed N$10 000 cash and 20 gold medals, whereas Okovimburu FC took home N$ 5 000 plus 20 silver medals. An amount of N$ 5 000 was shared between Otjeue City and Rietquelle A as semifinalists. 

In the netball competition, Rietquelle A team was crowned champions after it crushed Kajalami by a 28 – 16 scoreline in the final. The netball competition was played in a round robin format. 

Rietquelle A received a trophy, pocketed N$ 5 000 cash, and 12 gold medals, while Kajalami walked away with N$ 2000 cash plus 12 silver medals. 

One of the competition organisers, Uataviza Patire, told New Era Sports that the event was successful as teams produced a great show for the spectators. 

“It was a great tournament, considering the huge turnout from the crowd and the teams from outside the constituency. That is something that contributes to the development of sport in the Omaheke region,” said Patire. 

The organiser further announced that this will be the last edition of the competition, citing that attention will be given to other competitions in the constituency. 

Patire, thank all the teams that participated in the Winter Cup since its inception and highlighted that Aminuis constituency produced star players from the event of that calibre. 

“We are proud and appreciate all the support,” he said. 

zngaruka@yahoo.com