Zebaldt Ngaruka
Premier League football club Life Fighters from Otjiwarongo held its prize-giving ceremony for its players on Saturday in the Otjozondjupa region.
The Otjiwarongo-based team, also known as ‘Kahirona’, scooped third place in the recently-ended Namibian top-tier league 2023/24 season.
The Player of the Season award went to the team captain, Devin Somseb, who plays in central midfield and is currently with the senior football national team (Brave Warriors) at the Cosafa games in South Africa.
Striker Eliakim Jamba scooped the Top Goal Scorer accolade with 11 goals, while 21-year-old Lawrence Doeseb received the Young Player of the Season trophy.
Doeseb, an attacking midfielder, also clinched the Supporters’ Player of the Season accolade.
Life Fighters players voted Lazarus Naruseb as their Player of the Season, whereas the Most Disciplined Player award went to Kaujama Kavejama.
Ronaldo Tjikurunda’s goal from the set piece against Black Africa at the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo won him the Goal of the Season award.
Gerhard Kuzatjike scooped the Find of the Season award, which is the award given to a gem of a player who was not known but performed tremendously for the club.
One of the team managers, Kalakala Kuhanga, explained that the 20-year-old Kuzatjike was scouted in a local tournament in the Orwetoveni location and went on to cement his position in the Life Fighters’ first 11.
On top of the prize money, the top players took home trophies and medals for their achievements.
Speaking to New Era Sport, Terry Ujamba, who is the club’s commercial director, said the award ceremony was aimed at honouring players for the great season.
“Our players deserve this. They worked hard throughout the season, and we see it necessary to give them recognition for their great work,” he said.
The commercial director added the event was also held to stimulate the corporate entities to help commercialise Kahirona.
“This is the team for the community, and we need more sponsors to come on board and help us develop football in Otjiwarongo and the country at large,” Ujamba alluded.
Meanwhile, Life Fighters’ preparation for the next season will commence today at the Mokati Stadium.
Photo: Life Fighters
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