NKURENKURU – The International University of Management Nkurenkuru campus over the weekend hosted its inaugural HH Eternal Cup tournament, attracting 15 teams across multiple sport disciplines.

Football emerged as the tournament’s flagship sport, drawing an impressive 11 teams that exceeded organisers’ expectations.

“We actually didn’t expect those 11 teams. We thought there were going to be fewer,” said Haikera Lasarus, IUM student representative and one of the organisers of the 09-11 August 2025 tournament.

Participating teams included Kavango West Regional Council, Team Mangambulani, Team Rangers, Team Soweto, and the campus’ own IUM team. Team Rangers’ participation was particularly notable, as they travelled from Rundu, making them the only team from outside the immediate region to compete.

Matches were held at two venues – the IUM Nkurenkuru sports field and the town council sports field – to accommodate the large number of participants within the three-day timeframe.

Netball attracted four teams from surrounding areas, including squads from the Kavango West Regional Council, IUM campus, and IUM staff.

However, volleyball received no registrations, which organisers attributed to possible late advertisement or timing conflicts.

Campus Director Hosian Hitanwa, who sponsored the tournament, emphasised its broader purpose beyond competition.

“The main purpose of the tournament is to bring unity among students, along with community members,” Hitanwa explained.

In his message of appreciation, Hitanwa stated: “Today, you have all proven that the IUM Nkurenkuru campus annual tournament is truly our tournament collectively. Every pass, every goal, every cheer, and every handshake has shown that sport is not just about winning – it is about unity, passion, and shared purpose.”

Hitanwa said the tournament also served as a community outreach initiative, promoting IUM as “a university dedicated to its people’s future.”

Looking ahead, organisers confirmed the HH Eternal Cup will become an annual event.

“As of next year, we are looking for something bigger and better,” they said, positioning the event to become a significant sporting fixture in the Kavango West region.

In the football final, IUM claimed the trophy after defeating Kandjii Murangi 1-0, while IUM also secured first place in netball.

-Nampa