Zebaldt Ngaruka 

Following their triumph in the Omaheke Top 8 on Sunday in Gobabis, the president of Fine Young Stars Kavemunu Fire Kahuikee said the presence and experience of national football team player Charles Hambira boosted the team’s performance.

The Otjinene-based team won the football and netball competitions of the popular Omaheke tournament, which attracted 37 football and 22 netball teams.

Hambira, who plays for Debmarine Premier League champion African Stars, played in the final with Fine Young Stars. 

Kahuikee told New Era Sports that Hambira is an influential player, who always brings a special dynamic to a team.

“We are happy to have a player of such calibre, as the young players learn a lot from him. He is exemplary, and his work rate in the field is exceptional, which has contributed to victories in many competitions,” he said.

The president added that Fine Young Stars participated in many tournaments, and that also helped them to maintain their winning form.

The Fine Young Stars netball team recently won three competitions this year, in addition to the Omaheke Top 8.

“I have to thank my management, for their commitment and the discipline they imposed on our village team. This is a very commendable gesture. Our team will go far, and we will soon see more players emerging to top leagues in the country,” added Kahuikee.

In the first football semifinal, Four Stars from Aminuis overcame Epukiro-based Ovinjuru 4-3 on penalties following a one-all stalemate in regulation time.

Fine Young Stars, also known as Erindiroukambe, crushed Orevia from Aminuis 2-1, and booked their place in the final against Four Stars. 

The highly-contested final saw Fine Young Stars and Four Stars in a one all-stalemate, and that led to the game being decided on penalties, with the latter winning by a 4-3 scoreline and being crowned champion. 

Fine Young Stars took home a trophy, N$12 000 cash and 20 gold medals, while Four Stars settled for N$8 000 plus 20 silver medals as runners-up. 

Both Ovinjuru and Orevia took home N$3 000 as semi-finalists. 

In the netball competition, Eastern Swallows from Okomumbonde defeated Otjombinde-based Kajalami 29 -14 in the first semifinal to book their place in the final of the Omaheke elite competition. 

Otjimanangombe ladies failed to turn up in Gobabis, and gave an advantage to the Fine Young Stars netball team, who took points and advanced automatically to the final against Eastern Swallows. 

To be crowned champions, the well-rested Fine Young Stars then stunned Eastern Swallows 37 – 29 in the highly-contested final. 

In addition to a trophy, Fine Young Stars pocketed N$5 000 plus 12 gold medals, whereas Eastern Swallows ladies walked away with N$2 500 and 12 silver medals as runners-up. 

The Kajalami ladies and Otjimanangombe ladies in absentia received N$1 250 each as semifinalists. 

-ngaruka@gmail.com