Zebaldt Ngaruka

Windhoek-based football club MPSH won the inaugural Riaan McNab Hardap Governor’s Cup recently held at Rehoboth Stadium.

The competition themed ‘Football against Gender-Based Violence, Violence against Children, and Substance Abuse’ attracted 36 participants from various parts of the country.

En route to victory, MPSH stunned Mighty Pirates from Groot Aub 4-2 on penalties after a draw in regulation time in the first quarterfinal. This win secured their spot in the semifinals.

In the second quarterfinal, Tuk Tuk FC from Windhoek edged !Go tsi !Go 4-3 following another stalemate result after each side failed to find the back of the net in 90 minutes.

MPSH delivered an excellent performance in the first semifinal after the latter defeated Rehoboth FC 3-1 to secure their spot in the final.

The second semifinal saw Tuk Tuk FC defeat Omandindi FC 2-1 and advance to the final against MPSH. The final match produced a tense showdown between MPSH and Tuk Tuk after the grueling knockout stage.

The highly contested match ended in a goalless draw, leading to a tense penalty shootout. MPSH kept their composure and won 4-3 in penalties, earning their first-ever tournament victory.

The champion MPSH, in addition to a floating trophy, also received a cash amount of N$25 000 and 20 gold medals.

Tuk Tuk FC took home N$12 500 cash plus 20 silver medals, while Omandindi and Rehoboth FC each received N$6 250 for coming third in the prestigious tournament.

Individual players who performed tremendously were awarded with trophies and a cash prize.

Tuk Tuk FC’s Ndjiraeree Maharero was voted as the tournament’s best player and walked away with a trophy plus N$1 000 cash, while Erastus Navas Mulundi of MPSH was the competition’s best goalkeeper and pocketed N$1 000 and a trophy.

Rhuuksie ||Garoeb, one of the competition organizers, told New Era Sports that the tournament not only showcased top-level football but also emphasised important social messages against gender-based violence, violence against children, and substance abuse, promoting community awareness and engagement.

The organisers further expressed their gratitude to all participating teams, supporters, sponsors, officials, and volunteers who helped make this inaugural event a memorable success. “We look forward to building on this momentum for future editions,” he said.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com