Maqonda Ndlovu
The 13th edition of the Mika Kaiyamo and La Vida 7 seven-a-side tournament is set for 15 to 17 December at the Okahange village in the Ondobe constituency.
Founder and sponsor Nico Kaiyamo told New Era Sport yesterday that all is set for the tournament, which will feature football and netball, with more than 15 teams expected to participate.
The winning teams in football will pocket N$5 000 plus 10 gold medals and a floating trophy, while the first runner-up gets N$3 000 and 10 silver medals.
The second runner-up gets N$2 000 and bronze medals.
In netball, the winners will get N$2 500, 10 gold medals, and a floating trophy, with the first runner-up receiving N$1 500 plus silver medals.
The second runner-up will get N$1 000 and bronze medals.
“This year, the prize money has been increased to N$30,000, with the addition of individual prizes for best player, most disciplined player and top goal scorer in football. They will each pocket N$500. In netball, the best player and best shooter will each pocket N$500,” Kaiyamo said.
He added that the tournament is in honour of his late father. It started as a holiday social gathering, but has grown in stature over the years.
The event is an open tournament, whereby teams can field professional players.
“We have had teams from outside our region and Angola participate, and win previously. We just want people to have fun and enjoy their holidays while participating in this tournament,” he continued.
A total of N$30 000 has been set aside by Kaiyamo Fresh Produce, the main sponsor of the event, for the tournament.
The businessman, who is also the organiser of the event, said they have ambitions to grow the tournament and attract more participants and followers.
“By the time we turn 15 years old, we want the tournament to attract participants from the four northern regions of Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshana. From there, we can start thinking about going nationally,” he enthused.
Registration is ongoing, and those interested can contact Shakwes Salomon Kalou at +264 81 678 9870 or Monica Haufiku at +264 81 552 8782.