Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – The first edition of the Epukiro May football and netball tournament will commence tomorrow at Okovimburu Sports field in the Omaheke region.
The competition, under the auspices of the Epukiro Sport Council (ESC), attracted 16 football teams, while 15 netball teams will participate in the prestigious competition. ESC’s acting president, Collec Ngatuuane Hange, told New Era Sports that the inaugural competition will provide opportunities for local players in Epukiro to showcase their talent.
“We initiated this tournament for local players from different villages to compete and generate funds for their teams. This will be an opportunity for school-going players to be exposed to elite villages competition,” Hange said, among others.
The total prize money for the competition is N$24 000, with football teams competing for N$17 000 and N$7 000 set aside for netball, in addition to trophies and medals. In the first match tomorrow, Okarui Swallows from Okasaira will face Omarombora FC at 08h00, followed by Otjiwarongo versus Kalkpan. Eiseb will lock horns with Okanguindi in the next match, while Pamwe Eleven will play Renamo Bucks from Okombomi.
Okajombo’s Bokomo FC will face Okovimburu Warriors A team, while Top Score from Ezorongondo will clash against Okovimburu D. Super Fox from Ombujombandje will meet Otjimanangombe, while Otjimati FC will lock against Omaueuozonjanda’s Omuhanuua FC. Hange added that the May tournament has been added to the ESC calendar, and thus it’s mandatory for all Epukiro teams to play.
“Teams that fail to register are expected to pay a penalty fee of N$750. This is clearly stipulated in the ESC statutory laws,” said Hange.
The winner in the netball category will take home a trophy, N$3 000 and 12 gold medals, while the runners-up will pocket N$2 000 plus 12 silver medals.
Each semi finalist will walk away with a cash amount of N$1 000.
In addition to a trophy, the football winner will pocket N$8 000 cash and 18 gold medals, whereas the runners up will receive N$5 000 plus 18 silver medals.
An amount of N$2 000 will be given to each semi finalist.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com