Zebaldt Ngaruka 

OHAMBO JATATE – The popular Epukiro annual Festive tournament, comprising football and netball, is starting on Saturday at Okovimburu Sports ground in the Omaheke region.

The competition, under the auspices of the Epukiro Sport Council (ESC), is also marking its 40th anniversary, following its establishment in 1985. Speaking to New Era Sports on Wednesday, Ngatuuane Hange, one of the organisers said the prestigious event attracted 59 football and 38 netball teams from various villages in Epukiro constituency. “This is one of the biggest competitions in the Omaheke region, specifically in Epukiro, and the turnout is always huge. We are marking a historic 40th anniversary, and all teams are ready to honour the much anticipated tournament,” Hange said. In addition to trophies and medals, an amount of N$35 000 is earmarked for the football category, while netball teams will compete for N$15 000. 

Following the draw on Tuesday, both netball and football teams will be divided into two groups, A and B.

The football group A matches will be played at Field A, while group B matches are scheduled for Field B. “As usual, we have two fields for football matches, and that will help us to accommodate many teams in one day. The pressure is mounting as most villages are partaking in the competition,” he said, adding that netball teams will share their usual court. The netball fixtures will commence at 08h00 with Otjimanangombe A versus Ovinjuru A in the first match.

Among the profiled fixtures, Eastern Swallows A will face Renamo Bucks A, while the match between Otjimati A and Okatuuo A is expected to excite the crowd.

The youthful Red Fire and Eastern Swallows netball teams will also meet in the first round of the tournament. In the football matches of group A, Okanguindi A will open the tournament proceedings when it faces Pamue Eleven A at 07h30 on Saturday.  This will be followed by Omarombora C versus Otjimati C in the second match. An underlined fixture for Saturday will see Kalkpan A facing Ovinjuru A, while the two neighbouring Okovimburu C teams will face their counterparts from Omaueuozonjanda C.

Okombomi’s Renamo Bucks won the netball competition last year, while the final was shared between Okovimburu and Renamo Bucks.  This year’s football winner will receive N$16 000 in cash, a trophy, and 20 gold medals, while the runners-up will receive N$9 000 in cash plus 20 silver medals.

Each semifinalist will walk away with N$5 000 cash. In netball, the winner will take a trophy, N$7 000 cash, and 12 gold medals.  

The runners up will go home with  $4 000 cash with 12 silver medals, while each semifinalist will receive N$2 000 cash. Hange called on the clubs to respect time and avoid unnecessary delays between intervals. “This is an earnest plea as we have to finish our tournament on time. We will also have legendary players who will share their experience on this 40th anniversary,” said Hange, adding that ESC produced star players in both netball and football categories who made a mark in the country’s elite leagues. Adults will pay N$20 at the gate, while kids and cars will pay N$10 to enter. The tournament is expected to end on 22 December 2025. –zngaruka@yahoo.com.na