Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – Otjozondjima FC and Renamo Bucks emerged as the new champions of the Omaheke Top 20 Cup after thrilling performances in the football and netball finals played at Legare Stadium in Gobabis on Sunday.
The two Epukiro-based teams demonstrated determination, teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament to secure top honours in their respective categories.
Otjozondjima FC’s Road to the title was anything but straightforward. The team began the tournament without registering a victory, but progressed through competition rules after their opponents Okaoveni Eleven FC from Otjinene, were disqualified following an alleged altercation with the referee.
Despite the early controversy, Otjozondjima regrouped and proved their quality on the field. In the quarterfinal stage, they faced defending champions Okauua Rovers from Otjinene and prevailed 4-3 on penalties after the match ended goalless in regulation time.
Nicknamed ‘Ndjimaa’, the side continued their impressive run by defeating fellow Epukiro outfit Super Fox 2-1 in the semifinals to secure a place in the final.
The championship match against Pamue Eleven proved to be another tightly contested affair, with neither team scoring during regulation time. Otjozondjima eventually held their nerve in the penalty shootout, winning 4-3 to be crowned the 2026 Omaheke Top 20 football champions.
For their triumph, the team walked away with the trophy, N$13 000 in prize money and 24 gold medals. Pamue Eleven received N$8 000 and 24 silver medals as runners-up, while the semi-finalists, Oslek FC and Super Fox, each earned N$3 500.
In the netball competition, Renamo Bucks from Okombomi also produced a strong campaign to lift the title.
They secured their place in the final after defeating Okoutjove from Otjombinde 28-24 in the semifinals. In the other semi-final, Pamue Ladies overcame Gauteng Ladies from Aminuis with a convincing 30-20 victory.
The final saw Renamo Bucks take control of the match, defeating Pamue Ladies 29-22 to secure the championship.
Renamo Bucks received the trophy, N$5 000 in prize money, and 14 gold medals, while Pamue Ladies collected N$2 500 and 14 silver medals. Gauteng Ladies and Okoutjove each received N$1 250 for reaching the semifinals.
Otjozondjima FC manager Ringo Siririka attributed the team’s success to strong planning and teamwork following a strategic meeting held in December last year.
“We are happy for the win. Our objectives from that meeting were clear, and this victory shows that we are moving in the right direction. Credit goes to the players and the technical team for their hard work,” he said.
Renamo Bucks team manager Mareline Kasume said the victory was particularly special for the team.
“Teamwork was key throughout the tournament. We are happy to start the year with such a meaningful victory, and we thank our supporters who stood by us during the competition,” she said.
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