Zebaldt Ngaruka
Athletic clubs from various constituencies in the Omaheke region will be assembled in Gobabis for the Regional Athletic Championship, starting today at the famous Legare Sports Stadium in Gobabis.
The regional competition was born of the Zonal athletic competitions recently hosted in the region’s seven constituencies.
Each zone selected the best athletes to represent them at the biggest regional showpiece in Gobabis.
The New Era Sport desk caught up with some clubs to shed light on their preparedness and their expectations from the region’s prestigious athletic event.
Otjombinde constituency zonal coordinator Andreas Andreas said the Tallismanus Zone has around 80 athletes qualified for the competition, and that preparations were superb.
“We have a good record in this competition since 2016. We managed to send two athletes to the national team in the name of Jacob Hariseb from Helen’s Primary School (PS) and Uaraakuani Luk’ans from Traugot Kandorozu PS, which was the beginning of my reign. I hope there were also some before me,” he said.
Andreas said the Tallismanus have a strong team due to the intensive screening process they conducted across various schools.
“We have prospects for National team like Tommy Doeseb, Ndivaira Ngombe, Calista Paulus, Mannetjie Afrikaner, Atjihe Katjiuanjo, Muhupua Tjikuzu and Kamuiike Katjitae.
Our zone has ranked 3rd for the past two years, and we aim to top the table this year.
Ebson Katuuo of the Otjinene Zone said the team is ready despite a few minor injuries to some athletes.
“We will take 74 athletes to Gobabis, as you know, we are one of the zones that Omaheke rely on, as our athletes are always reaching Nationals. We will try our best to keep that status quo,” said Katuuo.
Among others, he mentioned Michelle Kambiri, Paulina Jakonga, Jozika Tjaveondja, Mbango Ngeenguno and Aringa Aringa as some of the weapons they are firing at the regional competition.
Zenaune Muharukua of the Aminuis Zone said the training has been going well and the team is well motivated after receiving a N$5 000 sponsorship boost from constituency councillor Isando Kaverukua Kavari.
“We will be taking 108 athletes to the event, and we expect good results at Legare,” he said.
Muharukua added that athletes like Mbaundja Kandjii, Jozikee Kaendo and Ngaipue Kahuva are expected to bring home silverware due to their outstanding records in the competition.
“They will give opponents a run for their money at this regional event,” said Muharukua.
Omaheke’s Namibia School Sports Union (NSSU) chairperson Ivo Mate said everything is ready, and all logistical arrangements are in place.
“We have all the equipment needed by the athletes in place, accommodation has been arranged for all the schools, and the venue is in good shape,” said the chairperson.
Mate further urged the parents and the entire Gobabis community to come and support the young athletes, saying their presence is extra motivation to the athletes.
“Parents must be equally the guides of these athletes at the event, and no alcohol will be allowed at the stadium,” he said.
The chairperson also thanked school principals for paying their affiliation fees to help NSSU organise such a large event.
The event will run from Friday at 13h00 to 17h00, and on Saturday from 07h00 to 16h00.