Auleria Wakudumo

Khorixas recently celebrated the inaugural Mayoral Cup, an event that brought together enthusiastic participants and spectators in a vibrant display of sportsmanship and community spirit. 

Designed to promote social cohesion through sport, the tournament exceeded expectations, with a remarkable turnout from the local youth.

The response from the young people of Khorixas was overwhelmingly positive, as 16 soccer teams registered to compete in the tournament. These teams attracted large crowds, creating an electric atmosphere that underscored the event’s importance. 

Mayor Patience !Hoaes noted that the tournament’s success was further highlighted by the participation of 15 Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) stalls, all of which reported strong sales over the weekend. “I see this tournament growing, attracting more vendors and diversifying the sports lineup,” she remarked.

She spoke passionately about the role of sport in fostering unity and belonging. “Sport has the capacity to pull crowds together, creating a sense of community,” she stated. 

“This is the spirit under which we host the tournament. We aim to foster social cohesion among the local community and Namibia at large.” 

Local officials echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of such events in uniting the community and encouraging youth involvement in athletics.

The tournament culminated in an exhilarating final match, with home team, Robber Chanties, claiming victory. They were awarded a trophy, medals, and a cash prize of N$10 000. Okarindi, from Opuwo secured second place, earning N$6 000, while Nampol FC from Khorixas and Inter Club FC from Henties Bay each took home N$2000 for their respective third and fourth-place finishes.

Beyond competition, the Mayoral Cup was a celebration of Khorixas’ rich cultural heritage. Attendees enjoyed a variety of entertainment options and delicious food from local vendors, fostering a sense of pride in the community. 

Looking ahead, Simson Ochurub, the personal assistant to the mayor, shared exciting plans for next year’s event. 

“We aim to make this an annual celebration, featuring more sport codes and expanded entertainment options. We learned a lot from this first edition, and I can assure you that the next one will be bigger and better,” Ochurub stated, reflecting the optimism surrounding the future of the Khorixas Mayoral Cup.

Overall, the inaugural Khorixas Mayoral Cup not only showcased local talent but also reinforced the importance of community engagement, setting a promising foundation for future events.

– wakudumoauleria@gmail.com