Dalene Kooper
SummerJive tournament organisers, Macdonald Tjaritje, Bonny Haeseb and Daniel Hafeni are calling on football and netball teams to sign up for the upcoming tournament, slated for 29 to 30 August in Outjo.
The tournament is set to bring together sport lovers, local businesses and visitors from outside town for competitive and exciting activities. One of the organisers, Tjaritje, is inviting football and netball teams to register early and prepare for the tournament. Last year, the tournament registered nearly 25 football teams and hopes for even more registrations this year.
“There is no limit for teams to register. Better to register early than late. We have two stadiums in Outjo where we can host matches,” Tjaritje said.
SummerJive is a community-driven annual sports event featuring football and netball matches between local and visiting teams, with a focus on youth empowerment and entertainment. “We want to not just create a tournament for entertainment, but a platform for young ones to showcase their talents and be exposed,” Tjaritje said.
Haeseb, also an organiser, added that the initiative was to create a positive recreational platform for the Outjo community.
“The tournament aims to promote sport, especially football, as a tool for youth development,” Haeseb said. He notes that the tournament takes place in August to welcome the rise in temperatures. “After a long battle of dropping temperatures of winter from April until early August, everyone would like to enjoy the sunny days,” Haeseb said.
The organisers highlight that the tournament represents development, community ownership and youth empowerment.
“The tournament demonstrates how local initiatives can stimulate business activity, sports participation, and contribute to community-driven growth,” Haeseb noted.
He added that SummerJive creates economic opportunities and temporary employment opportunities.
Haeseb hopes the public can use the early months to register their teams, apply for stalls and secure accommodation ahead of the tournament in August. He further says that the tournament has gained popularity and has been nicknamed ‘The People’s tournament’.
Tjaritje additionally calls on sponsors to come forward and support the tournament.
“I hope we can get sponsorships from anyone willing to support. It does not have to be financial; it can be medical supplies that we can use during the tournament, football kits, or awards for best players,” Tjaritje shared. “I would also call on corporate companies to come on board to keep participants motivated throughout the tournament.”
With the third edition of the tournament, the event organisers expect strong participation and a significant impact on the community. They plan to introduce more sport codes as the event grows and gain recognition.
The SummerJive tournament is set for 29 to 30 August at the Etoshapoort stadium in Outjo, Kunene region. Registrations are open until 28 August, and teams can register at Bonny Haeseb 081 856 9059.
-dalenemediamarketing@gmail.com