Zebaldt Ngaruka
OZOMBOUVAPA - Otjozondjima football team was crowned champions of the Epukiro December tournament held at Okovimburu Sports Stadium in the Omaheke region during the festive season.
A total of 55 football teams from villages in the Epukiro constituency participated in the annual competition.
On the road to the final, Otjozondjima crushed Ovinjuru 4-3 on penalties in a controversial second semifinal match after a goalless stalemate in regulation time.
Omaueuozonjanda reached the final via a 2-1 victory over Okatuuo in the first semifinal.
Otjozondjima emerged 5-4 winners after a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time, crowning them football champions in a highly contested final match between the two teams.
In addition to the trophy, the champions pocketed N$20 000 plus 20 gold medals, while Omaueuozonjanda received N$10 000 plus 20 silver medals as runners-up.
Ovinjuru and Okatuuo received N$5 000 each as semifinal losers.
Otjozondjima football team manager Ringo Siririka told this publication it was a tough road to the final but they managed to emerge victorious.
“Our boys showed a high level of maturity and cooperated well. We gave them the freedom to display their skills and worked on winning tactics,” Siririka said.
He gave a special compliment to the goalkeeper, as most of the games were decided on penalty shootouts.
“We are happy to be crowned champions of one of the biggest tournaments in the region, and we would like to defend it next year with this young, promising team,” Siririka added.
The Epukiro Sports Council spokesperson, Kuveri Tjonga, said the tournament produced teams that will represent the constituency in the upcoming Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation’s tournaments.
“We are glad that we ended this competition as planned, and now we look forward to upcoming tournaments. Our constituency will be well represented in either the top two tournaments, the top four, or other regional competitions,” said Tjonga.
Otumbonde’s Red Fire won the netball section of the tournament after thrashing neighbouring Otjimanangombe 21-18 in the final.