Zebaldt Ngaruka
EPUKIRO – The re-elected president of the Epukiro Sports Council (ESC), Leo Kandetu, said his prime objective is to have sports facilities in the main town, Epukiro Post 3 in the Omaheke region.
Speaking to New Era Sports, Kandetu said the unavailability of a sport facility in Epukiro Post 3 hamper, sport development in the settlement, and he will try by all means to have one.
Currently, the major sports competitions are held in Okovimburu settlement, which is about nine kilometres from Epukiro Post 3.
The president said the much-needed sports facility will accommodate all sports codes, and will revive codes such as volleyball, hockey, tennis and others.
“It will also create opportunities for the youth to nurture their talent in other sports codes than football and netball only,” he said.
Kandetu noted that one of the challenges ESC is facing is the acquiring of investors and sponsorship to support sport in the Epukiro constituency.
“We are known for hosting big events such as the annual festive season tournaments which attract many people, but in most cases, these competitions are not sponsored,” he said.
The ESC leader also complimented of local teams from different villages in the constituency for their efforts towards hosting such big events with little sponsorship.
Kandetu said he is glad that the Epukiro football and netball teams are doing good in the local competitions, despite challenges they face.
“These teams sacrifice a lot by themselves, no sponsorship, but they are hungry for success. We need to secure sponsorship to motivate them further.”
When asked how they will get this project rolling, Kandetu said engagements are already underway with the constituency leadership.
“Our constituency councillor Packey Pakarae promised to work hand in hand with us. We need to have all young people under one roof, as we know sports can bring all in one mood. Through sport, we can have a better disciplined and healthy community,” he said.
On horseracing, Kandetu said the racing track is not in good condition and needs attention. “As you know, we lost one horse due to the poor status of the racetrack, and that has prompted us to hire fields outside Epukiro. This was in the best interests of the horse owners, considering the huge amount of money spent in buying race horses,” he said.
Kandetu then called on the government and sponsors to come on board to assist in developing the horse-racing track.
“Horse-racing is a crowd-puller in sport, and if the field is improved, the community will enjoy it within their area,” he said.
On boxing, the president said the Epukiro constituency is far behind in developing boxing, but he will try his best to revive it.
“We aim to get fitness and boxing experts to train our coaches, trainers to train others, and try to have some equipment,” said Kandetu. Other elected members are Ngatuuane Hange, who is the ESC vice president.
Hange is also a public relations officer being assisted by Kakurupa Tjatindi.
Muningandu Mbaeva (secretary general) and Tjarirove Kavitjene, Koleka Karuuombe and Timothy Tjirimuje are treasurers of the council. Teveni Kotungondo, Kokuua Mbatara and Tjisuko Kamaze Mbaeva are the heads of the women’s desk.
Uairaije Kandjavera, Zuma Hengari, Tjatindi, Inaasopa Muzeu and Kemo Kaiko were elected as organisers.
The terms of office for the leadership will run for two years.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com