Zebaldt Ngaruka
Fine Young Stars from Erindi- Roukambe won the Otjinene Christmas Cup held at Otjinene Sports Field on Sunday in the Omaheke region.
The competition, comprising football and netball, began on 06 December 2025, with 30 football and eight netball teams.
In the football competition, Fine Young Stars overcame Oslek FC in the first semifinal 4-3 on penalties after a goalless scoreline in the regulation time to book their place in the final. Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, Ozombuzovindimba stunned Omuramba FC 4-3 on penalties after neither side scored in regulation time.
The Erindi-Roukambe-based team then crowned champions of the Otjinene Christmas Cup 2025 after crushing Ozombuzovindimba FC 2-0 in the final. In addition to a trophy and 20 gold medals, Fine Young Stars pocketed N$18 000 for the victory, while Ozombuzovindimba received N$10 000 plus 20 silver medals as runners-up.The two semifinalists, Omuramba FC and Oslek FC, each received a cash prize of N$5 000.
Fine Young Stars’ netball team also claimed the netball competition after defeating Omungondo’s Secret Stars in the final on 07 December, and walked away with a trophy, 12 gold medals, and N$4 000 in cash.
The runners-up, Omungondo, took home N$2 000 in cash plus 12 silver medals, while the two semifinalists, Okazapamba and Epata, received N$1 000 each.
Fine Young Stars football head coach Nokokure Hambira said he is pleased with the win, as the path to victory was difficult.
“I am extremely proud of my team as we played against tough opponents and managed to come out on top. This victory means a lot to the team,” he said.
Hambira added that his team’s stellar performance is fuelled by the consistency of the players, as they are competing in league football across different divisions.
“We trained well together, and that has kept the momentum for us to do better in the competition,” said Hambira. He gave special thanks to the team’s young players, Vevangapi Xamse, Kalusha Hambira, and Ngazepite Hambira, who demonstrated class and improvement throughout the tournament. On his part, Fine Young Stars president Fire Kahuikee said the win was planned, and he is glad that the coaches are doing a great job. “This is a collective effort from all the stakeholders in the village. As president, I am always assisting where there is a need because we have a vision,” said Kahuikee.
He added that the win is for the entire Erindi-Roukambe community, and the annual Fun Day party will be held as usual.
“This Fun Day plays a pivotal role and has created a positive atmosphere in the team. We are happy as a team, and the future looks brighter,” said the president, among others. He also thanked the team’s supporters for consistently rallying behind the team, adding that their contributions are worth celebrating. Tjarirove Mbaukua, one of the tournament organisers shared with New Era Sports that the tournament went smoothly and according to plan.
“We are happy that we managed all in the name of sport development in Otjinene. I am encouraging all the team to register with the sports association,” she said.
Mbaukua also thanked all the teams that participated and their supporters for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere throughout the competition.
“These are positive signs of sport growth, and our constituency produced star players who are playing in the top-flight leagues and abroad. We have Charles Hambira, who is an exemplary to many in the Otjinene and the country at large, who will forget Erastus Aupa Ndjavera and the forebearers like Dapper Kahimise and others,” she said, among others. –
zngaruka@yahoo.com