Zebaldt Ngaruka

The team manager of Okakarara Young Warriors (OYW) Martin Tjipepa said the club’s pre-season friendlies at the Okakarara Sports Field over the weekend provided a solid test for his players ahead of the new season.

He said he was impressed by the players’ hunger and commitment. 

“It was a good testing ground, and we figure out the areas that need improvement. The fitness level was superb. Both old and new players showed great commitment,” he stated.

He added that the team’s goal remains to return to the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL). 

“We have experience in the first division, and we’ll use that to our advantage. The players showed energy and determination during the month-long training,” Tjipepa said.

In the weekend’s fixtures, OYW lost 2-1 to Okakarara Vocational Training Centre (OVTC) in the opening game. 

Eleven Warriors defeated Okondjatu Nampol 3-2. Okondjatu Nampol later edged OVTC 1-0, before OYW ended their campaign on a high with a commanding 3-0 win over Eleven Warriors.

Tjipepa praised his new technical team, which includes Dockies Tjirimuje (head coach), Veno Namolo (assistant coach) and Vonk Kahona Tjihenuna (goalkeeper coach). He expressed appreciation to the supporters, who turned out in large numbers, urging them to keep rallying behind the team.

OYW lost midfielder Esegiel Hevike and goalkeeper Packs Ujatona Kahajo to Life Fighters and Mighty Gunners, respectively.

However, they have strengthened their squad with several new signings, including Ngumauo Musuuo, Ronaldo Kaunatjike, Ovidh Katjivena and the returning Vangeroo Kauaria and Vijandamuje Mujazu.

Tjipepa concluded that the team is awaiting clarity on the North West First Division League kick-off, expected to be discussed at a meeting scheduled for 16 November.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com