Zebaldt Ngaruka
The inaugural Omaheke Super Cup Open tournament, comprising football and netball, will kickoff on Saturday at Legare Sports Complex in Gobabis.
Issy Katjipotu, the competition organiser, said the N$ 45 000 worth tournament is open to all interested clubs country wide.
An amount of N$32 000 is set aside for the football competition, while N$ 13 000 is reserved for the netball competition.
Teams will play in a knockout format.
He said the prime aim of the tournament is to give the young players a chance to showcase their talent.
“The future belongs to the youth. If given platforms like this, they might catch the eyes of the scouters and find themselves in the topflight league in the country,” said Katjipotu.
The organiser added that it is an off-season in the country’s football league.
Most players have rested, and this competition will give them an opportunity to test their fitness level.
Katjipotu added that about 16 football teams registered for the football competition, while eight registered for netball.
“This number is expected to increase during the course of the week, as many teams are still calling to book their place,” he said.
The organiser said only five premier league players per team in the football category will be allowed, while the netball category will give three slots to play premier league players.
Katjipotu said the premier players in the competition will motivate the young ones to do best.
“Playing against the top players in the country will influence the upcoming players to up their game, as they will learn from the premier league players. At the same time, the level of of competition will be high, as they will be all fighting for glories,” said the organiser.
Despite the cash money, the winning teams will receive a trophy and medals.
The football champion will pocket N$15 000, a trophy and 20 gold medals, while the runners-up will get N$9 000 cash and 20 silver medals.
The organiser added that the two semifinalists will each take home N$4 000 cash.
The netball winners will walk away with N$7 000 cash and 18 gold medals, whereas the runners-up will take home N$3 000 and 18 silver medals.
Each semifinalist will walk away with N$1 500 for coming third in the competition.
The first football game is expected to start at 07h00, while netball will start at 08h00 on Saturday.
Adults will pay N$20 at the gate.
Cars and children will pay N$10.
Katjipotu emphasised that hunger will not be entertained at Legare Sports Complex, as Kapana and food vendors already booked their place to cater to the spectators.
The tournament is expected to end on Sunday.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com