Zebaldt Ngaruka
The Epukiro Annual Festive Tournament will be marking four decades with a jaw dropping line up of from football to netball.
The rural tournament kicked off last weekend with 58 football teams and 39 netball teams and is scheduled to continue this coming Saturday.
Eastern Swallows FC head coach Moses Muure Katjiteo said his team is more prepared than last weekend, as a new addition will be added to reinforce the squad.
“Both our A and B teams are now in a good state after last weekend’s victories. We will add those players who were committed to the Premier League games,” he said.
Katjiteo reported no injuries so far, and the mood in the camp is great.
“This year, we want to do better than last year, as we lost in the quarter, and that was not welcome news in Tembisa. We are one of the renowned teams in Epukiro, and the expectations are always high,” he said.
Katjiteo, who played for the former formidable premier club Black Africa, said his side was composed mainly of young players and wanted to instill the winning mentality in them.
“This young team showed hunger for success, and the future looks promising. We will keep pushing them to keep the legacy of the team,” he said.
The Okomumbonde-based team’s netball squad is also in contention after their victory last weekend.
Renamo Bucks head coach Seun Kamatjipose shared that the Okombomi-based team is aiming for victory in the prestigious Epukiro tournament.
“We started our preparations well in advance, and our players are looking sharp. Last weekend, we had local players, and the team won on penalties as our Premier League players were absent,” he said.
Kamatjipose emphasised that his team will take one game at a time as they are aiming to win the competition.
Renamo Bucks was one of the football finalists last year and shared the final prize with Okovimburu.
The Okombomi team last won the Epukiro December tournament in 2022.
“This has been a long time, and we are prepared to turn the tables around,” said the head coach. Meanwhile, Oruvize FC manager Uairaije Kandjavera said his young team aims to reach the final stages of the competition and that preparations are progressing smoothly.
“So far, we have a clean health bill, and all the boys are cooperating with training protocols. We want to go far; if not winning, we have to end at the semifinals,” he said confidently. Kandjavera added that players like Uetuesa Hangero and Roba Kauaria delivered a tremendous performance in the previous games, and he expects them to maintain their form.
“These two will be a thorn in the meat to opponents, and they will give them a run for their money,” he said.
The last time Oruvize FC advanced far in the competition was in 2022, when they reached the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Otjimanangombe president Uazumba Kaunatjike said his team is ready and played well last weekend.
“I am pleased with the players’ fitness, and the mood in the camp is good. We are expecting glory, as we are not fearing any opponents,” said Kaunatjike.
The president added that he spoke to the team coach Alphy Kaakuha, who said it is all systems go for the team, better known as ‘Wele Wele.’ Otjimanangombe will play against one of the tournament underdogs, Ozombouvapa FC, which has yet to reach the final stages of the competition.
Jelwin Kapukuse Tjozongoro, one of the team managers, said his side faces an established Otjimanangombe team, but he will leave no stone unturned with his Ozombouvapa outfit.
“Our B team produced an outstanding display last weekend despite losing on penalties. We will not fear any team with the A team, and we will give Otjimanangombe a run for their money,” Tjozongoro said, among others.
The tournament is expected to end on 21 December 2025 at Okovimburu Sports Field. –zngaruka@yahoo.com