Zebaldt Ngaruka
After winning the Okakarara Third Division playoffs this weekend, the Okondjatu-based football team Farm Boys is setting its sights on representing the Otjozondjupa region in
the Second Division.
The name ‘Farm Boys’ reflects the team’s composition, primarily made up of football players from Okondjatu, who work on surrounding commercial farms.
The team now faces a challenging battle against qualifying teams from Grootfontein, Otavi, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja in their
quest for Second Division football.
Head coach Hahizee Nderura acknowledges the difficult road ahead, but remains confident in his players’ abilities to win the promotion playoffs. “I have a good team with a variety of talent, and they have what it takes to play in the Second Division. We aim to bring football to Okondjatu, which will be great for the development of our settlement,” he stated.
However, the coach pointed out that the lack of sponsorship is a major challenge for the club, making it difficult to operate without financial support. He appealed to potential sponsors to come forward and help the team achieve its goals.
“This is a community team, representing the interests of the local community. These players might one day be scouted by bigger teams and lift the name of our settlement,” he added.
Farm Boys FC secured their victory in the Okakarara Third Division Football League by defeating Onduezu FC from the Okakarara stream 4-1 in the first semifinal of the playoffs.
In the second semifinal, Okamatapati Combined School stunned Ozombungu FC from Okondjatu with a 2-1 scoreline, setting up a final clash with Farm Boys.
Farm Boys then clinched the championship title with a 1-0 victory over Okamatapati Combined School – thanks to a first-half goal by Kevin Tjivahe. Wilson Nguvauva, the league coordinator for the Okakarara Football League, expressed satisfaction with the weekend promotion playoffs. “It was not an easy road to reach this far. I must compliment all the teams involved and the cooperation they showed throughout, as well as the supporters,” he said.
He cautioned other Third Division winners in the region to prepare well for the playoffs, as Farm Boys are a hardworking, disciplined and ambitious team.
“They are eyeing the Second Division, and they have a very talented and hungry team,” he added. He also urged businesspeople in the region to support Farm Boys with sponsorship, as playing league football is demanding.
The dates for the Otjozondjupa promotion playoffs are yet to be announced.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com