Zebaldt Ngaruka
The Drimiopsis settlement in the Kalahari constituency of the Omaheke region is proudly home to a rising football outfit, Kalahari Lions Sports Club (SC), which has quickly emerged as a formidable force in the Namport Omaheke Third Division League.
In their debut campaign, Kalahari Lions SC finished second in the league standings, scoring the most goals while conceding the fewest, a clear signal of the club’s ambition to become a dominant presence in Namibian football.
The club was founded in 2024 by Uauanisa Kamberipa, a dedicated teacher and former player for Black Africa, Unam FC and Young African FC. Kamberipa, who now serves as the club’s chairperson, shared insights with New Era Sport on the team’s formation, objectives, challenges and its broader vision of developing sport at the grassroots level.
He explained that the club was established with the aim of using sport as a bridge between schools, businesses and the community to promote youth development and social cohesion.
Kamberipa was joined in the initiative by fellow educators Isai Kohoni Mbaeva and Sedney Kaunuua. Mbaeva is regarded as one of Epukiro’s football legends, while Kaunuua serves as a youth development officer.
Their collective experience and passion for sport have played a key role in shaping the club’s vision.
Community involvement has also been central to the team’s growth, with Kamberipa emphasising that football can transform the lives of many young people.
“Through sport, many young people can stay away from crime, drug abuse and other social ills. The community has an important role to play in guiding children to participate in sport and shape their future,” he said.
Supporting the initiative is a community committee consisting of Pastor Michael Kandovazu, Ludwig Narib, April Mukuya, Johannes Ndara and former Mokganedi Thlabanello head boy Gerson Katjiremba
The team’s talent has already attracted interest from several clubs, including Omaheke Nampol, Okakarara Young Warriors, Tigers FC and Bucs Buccaneers.
Standout players such as Elvis Hikuama and goalkeeper Travolta Muvangua have been identified as promising prospects.
To strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season, the club has welcomed Drimiopsis natives Festus Nasty Araeb and Tangeni Harry Muhomba from Tura Cosmos, along with 12 other young prospects.
The club’s development efforts have received support from former Kalahari constituency councillor Ignatius Kariseb and local businesses, including Kopano Investment. Kamberipa expressed optimism that the partnership will continue under the newly elected constituency councillor, Zedekia Borry Katjiuanjo.
Beyond football, Kalahari Lions SC aims to play a broader role in community development, engaging residents in areas such as Tsjaka, Blouberg and other parts of the constituency.
The club has also established a women’s team, spearheaded by Wilma Goses, to promote opportunities for girls in sport. Plans are also underway to expand into netball and volleyball.
“We also have a football academy that accommodates boys and girls from under-9 to under-16,” Kamberipa said.
The team’s identity is represented by its red and black colours, a brand that Kamberipa says symbolises pride for the Kalahari community.
Despite logistical challenges, including travelling from Drimiopsis and managing a squad largely made up of school-going learners, the Lions enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 Omaheke Regional
Third Division campaign.
The team is guided by former Brave Warriors player Alfeus Mbuale Handura, who has transitioned from a player-coach role to full-time management.
“Our key players included Kalkpan FC veteran defender Mbakondja ‘Bax’ Tjitunga and former Zambezi Second Division player Muluti Kanyinga. We sat at the top of the log for nearly the entire campaign before finishing as runners-up to Gobabis Sports Club,” said Kamberipa.
Preparations for the new season are already underway. Some players recently participated in the Epukiro Valentines Cup, representing !Naoas FC, which went on to win the tournament.
“This was part of our preparations and helped boost the players’ motivation ahead of the new league season,” he added.
However, Kamberipa admitted that financial challenges remain a major hurdle.
“We are dealing with marginalised communities where resources are limited. At the moment we are struggling with soccer balls, training equipment and travelling expenses,” he said, appealing for sponsorship to support the club’s operations.
He also suggested that the Omaheke Regional Football Association allow the team to host its home matches at Drimiopsis to reduce travel costs.
Kamberipa concluded by inviting interested players from across the Omaheke region, particularly from the Kalahari constituency, to join the club and become part of its growing football project.
-newsroom@nepc.com.na