Zebaldt Ngaruka

GOBABIS – C. Heuva High School (HS) from Otjombinde and Epukiro Secondary School (SS) were crowned football and netball champions, respectively, at the Omaheke Secondary Schools’ tournament over the weekend.

The tournament, hosted under the auspices of the Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU), was staged at the Tallismanus Community Sports Field by C. Heuva High School. 

It drew participation from 16 football and 14 netball teams across the region.

In the football competition, Drimiopsis-based Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School edged Gobabis’ Wennie du Plessis Secondary School 4-3 on penalties in the first semifinal after a goalless draw. 

In the second semifinal, hosts C. Heuva overcame Rietquelle Secondary School from Aminuis 1-0 to secure their spot in the final.

The final was another tight contest, with C. Heuva eventually defeating Mokganedi Tlhabanello 6-5 on penalties following another goalless draw. C. Heuva pocketed N$8 000 as champions, while runners-up Mokganedi Tlhabanello took home N$5 000. 

Rietquelle SS and Wennie Du Plessis SS, who finished third, each received N$1 000.

Meanwhile, in netball, Epukiro SS dominated the court, overpowering hosts C. Heuva 23-14 in the final to claim the title.

 Epukiro SS walked away with N$5 000, with C. Heuva earning N$3 000 as runners-up.

 Gustav Kandjii SS and Mokganedi Tlhabanello HS, the third-place finishers, received N$1 000 each. Speaking after the football final, C. Heuva head coach Kamuzandu Uandara praised his players’ performance.

“We prepared thoroughly for this tournament, like any other competitors. Our goal was clear to win, and we achieved that. The players stuck to the plan and delivered a superb performance,” he said.

Uandara added that the team, composed mostly of young players, showed great promise for the future. Epukiro SS netball coach Uaseuaumue Nguvauva attributed their success to the team’s commitment and discipline.

“It was an easy final for us against C. Heuva. Beating a strong Mokganedi Tlhabanello side in the semi-final really boosted our confidence heading into the final,” she said.

Nguvauva expressed optimism about her team’s future, highlighting the importance of keeping the squad together to secure more trophies for the school. – zngaruka@yahoo.com