Zebaldt Ngaruka
The third division league called Okamatapati Soccer League started on Saturday at the school sports ground in the Otjozondjupa region.
About six teams from the settlement are competing in the league, which is an ancillary of Namibia Football Association’s Okakarara Third Division football league divided into four streams.
Ekuija Monjama stunned Lala United 5-3 in the first match of the league, while the encounter between Amakhosi Boys and Scorpions ended in a goalless stalemate.
Okamatapati Combined School (CS) used their home-ground advantage and crushed their opponents Classic Eleven by 4-1, which was the first round’s last game on Saturday.
In the second-round fixtures, Classic Eleven, following their humiliation by the school boys, defeated Scorpions 4-0, and this was followed by a highly-contested match between Ekuija Monjama and Okamatapati CS, which ended in a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Okamatapati CS.
Amakhosi Boys then wrapped up the weekend fixtures with a 3-0 victory over Lala United.
Okamatapati CS top the log table after collecting maximum points, followed by Amakhosi Boys with four points in the second place, whereas Ekuija Monjama holds the third position with three points.
Classic Eleven occupy the fourth position with three points in the pocket ahead of Scorpions, who managed to collect one point from the two games.
Lala United sit at the bottom of the table after they failed to collect a single point in the opening fixtures of the league.
Okamatapati CS head coach Jaurovandu Sacky Rukuma said despite home ground advantage, his team prepared well for the league, and deserves to be on top of the log.
“I am very happy for the boys. They played against strong teams from the settlement, but outclassed them. It is a good start, and will motivate the boys to do better in the upcoming fixtures,” said the coach.
Rukuma added that they are working around the clock to reinforce his youthful team and win the league.
On his part, league coordinator Wilson Nguvauva said he is pleased that the league kicked off, and that the youth in the Okamatapati settlement can display their talent.
“It went well despite the shortage of soccer balls. But overall, I am happy, and the turn out was superb, which is a motivation to the players,” said Nguvauva.
He added that the league does not have sponsors, and called on the business community in the settlement to assist where they can.
Asked about the referees, Nguvauva said they only have one trained referee, and it is a daunting task for him to officiate all matches.
“We need referees, and very soon, Okakarara will hold a refereeing course, where we will send two or three youths for the course,” he alluded.
The league will continue this weekend with the third and fourth round matches, while the other streams like Coblenz, Okondjatu and Okakarara town are also expected to commence their league soon.