Zebaldt Ngaruka 

GOBABIS – The second edition of the late Dino Vezepa Karita Open football tournament will kick off today at the Komasdal Stadium in the capital. 

About 24 football teams from various parts of the country will compete in the N$30 000-worth competitions to honour the late Karita.

He passed on December 2020.

One of the competition organisers Ngatuuane Hange shared with New Era Sport that the late Karita played an instrumental role in the development of football grassroots level in the Omaheke region.

“He was a star player for Aminuis All-Stars, he became a coach after his retirement and played a formidable role in establishing Kalahari All-Stars. Karita also contributed a lot to the Namibia Rural Sport Development Federation,” said Hange.

In the first match on Friday, Tallismanus Celtic will be up against Otjimanangombe at 18h30, while Okazapamba will clash against TF Mafumbe (a team comprising Zimbabweans in Namibia) in the second match.

This will be followed by an encounter between Ipumbu Shiimi and Kasoana Legends. 

The Okauua Rising Stars versus Big Birds Jamazera will close the Friday proceedings at the Khomasdal Stadium. 

In the early kick-off on Saturday at 08h00, Omatjete’s Western Tigers will lock horns against M.P.S.H. 

Dream Team from Groot Aub will be facing Okovakuejuva in the second game. 

Two Windhoek-based teams Dolam Pirates and Super Stars B will follow next. 

Katutura Central All-Stars will be facing Evara United from Gam.

This will be followed by Soweto Finest, who will be up against Super Stars.

Okombomi-based Renamo Bucks will battle against Omutumba Okaserandu from Omongua in the next fixture. 

Opuuo Hungry Warriors will play against Groot Aub’s Stars.

Bradas and Africa United from Ruacana will conclude the first-round matches of the prestigious competition.

In addition to the trophy, the final winner will pocket N$ 15 000 and 20 gold medals.

 The runners-up will walk away with N$8 000 and 20 silver medals. 

The organiser added that each semi-finalist will take home N$3 500. 

Despite that, there will be special prizes for the player of the tournament, young player of the tournament, defender of the competition, midfielder of the competition, tournament’s top goal-scorer and coach of the tournament. 

Hange said premier league players are allowed to take part in the competition. 

“This tournament is an opportunity for the premier league players to keep themselves busy since we don’t have pre-season games. It is even an opportunity for the young players to showcase their talent and rub shoulders with elite league players,” Hange remarked. 

He added that they can be scouted by premier league teams.

Windhoek-based football team Tom and Jerry won the maiden edition of the Dino Vezepa Karita tournament last year. 

Renamo Bucks clinched the netball competition. 

The netball competition is called off due to the unavailability of netball courts in the capital.

The knockout competition is expected to end on Sunday.

– zngaruka@yahoo.com