Zebaldt Ngaruka
It was a historic occasion in the Omaheke’s Epukiro constituency when their prestigious Annual December tournament marked its 40th anniversary.
The football and netball competition under the auspices of the Epukiro Sport Council (ESC) is one of the oldest rural tournament in the country, established in 1985 and it is known for its high participation of village teams.
The 40th edition of the competition attracted 58 football teams, while 39 netball teams featured in the tournament held at Okovimburu Sports ground.
New Era Sports desk caught up with some legendary players from various villages in Epukiro to reflect on the 40th anniversary.
Leading the pack was Kapora Murangi from Otjozondjima village, who was a prolific goalscorer in Epukiro.
Murangi recalled that the tournament started with N$600 at that time, where the winner, Ovinjuru FC, walked away with N$300 and the runners up Otjozondjima pocketed N$200.
“We only started with 10 teams and the competition was high as all the villages were blessed with talented players. Even the quality of football was at another level compared to now,” he said.
The 62 years old also remembered the support of the elders who rallied behind their teams and sportsmanship among the teams.
“We were well organised, our team had the likes of prominent leaders like the late Gerson Nderura Murangi and Himuee Tjituka, who made sure our Otjozondjima team had everything. We had a marvelous time and won many trophies for our village team,” said Murangi, who also played for Epukiro Chiefs and Okakarara’s Manchester United.
Murangi further expressed his satisfaction with the increase in competition prize money, saying that players must be more motivated.
The legend also requested the current leadership of the ESC to include veteran players in its administration and called them to have meetings in rural areas rather than in Windhoek.
Omarombora Eleven’s Beffel Tjiramba shared that Epukiro teams were all strong and well prepared for their esteemed tournament.
“This 40th anniversary brings back those good memories when we were preparing for this festive tournament. We had a strong support base from our parents as they offered their vehicles to transport the team to the competition,” he said.
Tjiramba also recalled the immense contributions from the team’s supporters, which helped Omarombora FC throughout the tournaments.
“We didn’t struggle at all, food was enough and we also had monetary contributions from as far as Otjijarua, Otjombundiro and Ozombouvapa villages. This has motivated the players to play themselves out and reach the last stages of the competition,” he said.
The 57-year-old further said the 40th anniversary is a milestone for Epukiro as many players went to play in the top level.
“Epukiro produced Premier League players and some play for the senior national team. This is because of the foundation laid by us,” said the former left midfielder.
Former Ovinjuru FC, Top Score and Black Africa goalkeeper Bruno Veii said the competition has grown and most villages in Epukiro are represented.
However, Veii said that he is not happy with the delay in the completion of the tournament, as there are many teams.
“This is a concerning issue as much time is wasted between intervals and this led to the prolonging of the competition. Our tournament is supposed to end before Christmas, but sometimes we exceed that, and players don’t have time to spend with their families,” said Veii.
Veii is also concerned about the influx of players from other regions who play in Epukiro.
“We started this as a competition for villages and not clubs, this must end. We must go back to basics, as some teams import players from other regions. This will deny the youngsters opportunities to play when this trend is allowed to continue,” he said.
Bolle Hambira, a former Top Score and African Stars forward, said the Epukiro Annual Festive tournament legacy is visible and thanked the forebearers for laying the foundation.
“This is one of the biggest competitions and every player in Epukiro wants to feature in it. Even horse riders dream of playing in this prestigious tournament, and the vibes at the stadium always speak volume,” said Hambira.
His memorable game was in the year 2000 against Renamo Bucks of Okombomi when he scored a stunning goal against his then African Stars teammate Lesley Katjivikua in the semifinal encounter of the competition.
Hambira further advices the current generation of players to pay attention to basic football instead of trying to copy the “expensive” football they watch on television.
“They must also remove football from social media and focus on their true talent. Posting yourself on social media even at warm-up is equivalent to deceiving people rather than doing the job in the field of play,” said Hambira.
He also urged players to listen to their coaches, refrain from using hubblies and other substances that will affect their talent.
Ovinjuru FC made history by winning both the maiden and 40th editions of the Epukiro Annual December competition.
