Zebaldt Ngaruka
OZOMBOUVAPA – Omaheke region’s outfit Epukiro Chiefs FC, who ply their trade in the Namport Omaheke Third Division Stream A league, table are currently sitting comfortably on top of the league summit with 12 points, and recorded four wins from four matches played so far.
Rijamekee Rowland-Hill Nguvauva, one of the interim executive committee (Exco) members of the team, shared that the team’s positive start in the league this season is due to the support they are receiving from legendary players from Epukiro.
However, he added that the team is currently struggling with a training ground, which is a major challenge.
“We are currently training on a small portion of the overcrowded Katutura Sports Complex in Windhoek because we don’t have a choice,” said the Exco member.
Most of their players are based in Windhoek instead of Gobabis due to work and school commitments.
Despite this, the team is eyeing inclusion in the top-flight league someday.
“We want to include all the stakeholders from the constituency to be part of this new history to be made,” Nguvauva said.
He added that Epukiro is blessed to have players who are featuring in Premier League teams.
“We have players in Young African, African Stars, Ongos, Khomas Nampol, and the list goes on,” he added.
Moses Katjiteo, the team’s head coach, shared that the players are aware of the mission, and are showing hunger to accomplish it.
“These are young players from Epukiro, and they are playing for their constituency. The encouragement from former players is motivating them as well,” he said.
On the training ground issue, the coach said it cannot be an excuse, although it is a need.
“We have to use other options to keep our players fit and play, I have to compliment them on their display on the field, despite the lack of training facilities. They are very disciplined, and that will take them far,” the coach said.
Tjizameuva Tjiueza, the team captain, said the cooperation among the players is good, and that makes it easy to get positive results in games.
“We want to write history for our constituency and play in the premier league. That can be achieved if we do well in the lower division,” he said.
Despite not reaching Premier League football in the past, the historic club has a rich legacy of developing talented players in the 1980s and 1990s, and has garnered numerous awards in regional football tournaments.
Notable players who made their mark in the club’s history include, Joseph Kapenaina, Lazarus Kaindjee, Kapora Murangi, Steve Muariani, Vemuna Hoveka, Norbetus Tjozongoro, Cliff Kamarenga, the late Unomengi Muariani, Tjiritja Mbatara, Stefans Ndjavera, Kotze Kaimu, Striker Hengari, the late Bosto Kangootui, Lefa Ndjavera, Dr Kavemunu Kaakuha, Kaamberua Hambira, Rumold Kangootui, Tjonova Tjeja, Simmy Kanuameva, Kavezembua Hoveka, Tjinoo Mbura, Hiskia Ndjavera, Striker Kaunoo Kaevarua, Tjeripo Veii, Kazoronduu Tjiueza, Dr Kairanderua Ikey Ndjoze, Utjiua Toromba, late Hansen Siririka and Kambasa Tjikusere, amongst others.
Nguvauva, who also played for Epukiro Chiefs, called on businesspeople and farmers in the constituency to rally behind the team in its endeavours.
“We need your support of any kind as you know that there are costs involved in the league football,” he said.
The Exco member further recognised former team supporters in the name of Festus Marenga, Karii Marenga, Vasana Ndjavera, Karii Makono and the late Gerson Nderura Murangi, Rauta Tjikuzu and Tjoro Kajovi (all late) for their generous contributions to the team.
“We need more support from the community as this is the community team,” added Nguvauva.
The Namport Omaheke Football Third Division League Stream A is set to continue this weekend in Gobabis, while Stream B is set for Otjinene.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com