Zebaldt Ngaruka 

The first edition of the Katutura Central Heroes Cup under the auspices of the Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation is starting today at the famous Khomasdal Stadium in Windhoek. 

The N$50 000-worth competition attracted 12 football and 10 netball All Stars teams from various constituencies, and is spearheaded by Katutura Central constituency councillor Rodman Katjaimo.

Amongst the participants, Katutura Central will play as an invited side in both football and netball categories.

Renowned business mogul and farmer Mbiripipo Monty Ndjavera is the main sponsor, and the winning teams will go home with trophies and medals, in addition to the cash prize.

An organising committee member, Ngatuuane Hange told New Era Sports that there will be 14 football coaches from the Debmarine Premier League and the first division who are invited to the prestigious competition. 

“Most players who are playing in the country’s top-tier league graduated from these types of competitions. Most of them went as far as representing the national teams, and some are currently plying their trait in foreign leagues,” he said. 

Today, in the football competition, Otjimbingue will face Okondjatu in the first game of the tournament at 18h30. 

This will be followed by Otjombinde up against Gam settlement in the second game at 20h00. 

Okakarara will end today’s proceedings against Eiseb Block at 21h40.

The football games will continue tomorrow morning, with  Ovitoto playing against Epupa All Stars at 09h00. 

Aminuis will play the first quarter-final against guest team Katutura Central at 11h00, while a derby match between Omaheke giants Epukiro and Otjinene will follow at 13h00.

In the netball competition, Ovitoto will play Epupa in the first match at 11h00, while Otjombinde will face Katutura Central in the following game at 12h00. 

Okondjatu will play against Aminuis in the third match at 13h00, whereas Gam ladies will face their Eiseb Block counterparts at 14h00 in one of the categorised derby matches.

The two Omaheke region’s strong contenders, Epukiro and Otjinene, will lock horns again in the netball competition, following their football teams drawn together in a categorised Omaheke derby at 15h00. 

The competition is expected to end on Sunday. The damage at the gate is N$30 for adults, while children will pay N$20 at the gate. – zngaruka@yahoo.com