Zebaldt Ngaruka
The third edition of Namibian goalkeeper Loydt Kazapua’s football and netball open tournament ended successfully over the weekend.
The tournament, which was played at the Khomasdal Stadium and the Namibia Football Association’s Technical Centre, attracted close to 20 football and 16 netball teams. Jatjizavi Kavendjaa, the competition’s head of marketing, said it was a great platform for upcoming players, and the display on the field was superb.
“We created a better experience for our spectators and fans and next year’s edition will be bigger and better.
“We would like to host it in the rural area where rural teams can bring a different flavour to the tournament. This will be good for the development of sports at the grassroots level,” she said.
She added that coaching clinics and motivational speakers will be available at next year’s edition with the hope of increasing the sponsorship amount.
In the football category, Omaheke United stunned MPSH 1-0 in the final.
United pocketed a cash prize of
N$20 000 plus gold medals, while runners-up MPSH walked away with N$10 000 and silver medals.
The Truck Team scooped the netball title after thrashing Omaheke United 34-22 in the final.
The Windhoek-based Truck Team took home N$5 000 plus gold medals, while Omaheke United ladies pocketed N$2 500, and silver medals for coming second in the tournament.
On his part, Omaheke United netball head coach Stima Patire said the tournament was tough and competitive. “We played against well-organised teams, but credit goes to my players for the efforts. Our fitness was great, and there was teamwork.
Patire added that his players also showed a high level of commitment and discipline, which helped them to defeat strong opponents. “We are happy to win the big competition, and we are looking forward to the upcoming tournaments. Our morale is boosted,” the head coach said. Truck Team’s captain Keveni Kotungondo said their experience in netball competitions aided their victory. “Our team is not new to this competition. We played together for so long, and that helped us to win. We are happy. Our experience counted, and we are the champions,” Kotungondo said.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com