Zebaldt Ngaruka
The interim manager of the Ozombouvapa FC Kaizikiziua Bello Hoveka said his village team’s future looks bright following its return to the annual Epukiro Festive season tournament last December.
Ozombouvapa FC is one of the Epukiro’s underdog teams and has been struggling to reach the second stage of the prestigious Omaheke competition for many years.
Speaking to New Era Sports desk, Hoveka said he was very impressed with his team’s display on the field at the just ended competition saying that the future looks bright going forward.
“Even though we did not reac the next round of the competition, both team A and B showed class in their play. Our team comprised of young players and the fighting spirit was phenomenal,” said Hoveka.
He highlighted that the eldest player in the team was Kanguti Vevangaune Murangi (37) whereas Vitja Kamatjipose (15) was the youngest player in the team.
“I am very happy as these young lads showed commitment towards the team’s and we need to support them. We managed to talk to their parents and more is on the way,” said the manager.
Hoveka further said the team have now requested each player to register with either academies or teams playing in the lower division for composure.
“This will really help them as they will be exposed to the game. We urged them to take sport seriously and represent the village in premier league or national level. They have to showcase that now,” he said.
Hoveka said the B team showed a classical performance against a well organised Omuhanuua team and went on to lose on penalties while the A team lost to a historic Otjimanangombe village team.
“We did not play for 2024 season and coming back from the layoff with this positive spirit is very commendable.
We just have to keep believing in ourselves and take our team to greater heights,” he said.
Asked on what are the challenges the team is facing, Hoveka said the team lack management as the young lads are trying almost everything by themselves to play in tournaments.
“We need a backbone and support from all the inhabitants of Ozombouvapa.
This is our team and everyone need to play his or her part. Our parents must be closer and give support,” he requested.
Hoveka further commended those who availed transport, sport gears and food to the players throughout the tournament.
“We appreciate all your support and our supporters who kept rallying behind us all these years. Together we can lift our team to greater heights and bring glories to our village,” he said. The interim manager also commented netball team for their victory in the netball competition.
“This was a sweet victory and the signs are the that we can go far. We need cooperation and commitment from both codes to prosper,” he said among others.
Hoveka informed the publication that the team will soon hold a congress to elect its leadership.
“Its now early in the year, we will soon make an announcement once everything is in place. We want to start early this time around,” he said.
