Zebaldt Ngaruka
Various football clubs in the revived Omaheke third division are preparing for the league, despite challenges.
Recently, the Namibia Football Association (NFA) announced that all football leagues in the country will start on 30 November, including the lower divisions.
New Era Sports caught up with some team managers in the division to shed light on their preparations and challenges ahead of the league kick-off.
Amongst them is Jermano Jeraldo Eiseb of Forest Rangers Sport Club, who said the preparations are going well and the technical team has been hard at work to get players fit.
“We brought in new players, and with the friendly matches we had, we are trying to get the playing combinations right,” he said.
Eiseb said the main target is to win the league, and get promoted to the second division. “Our long-term plan is to play in the Namibia Premiership.
On the challenges, Eiseb said Forest Rangers need proper training fields and soccer balls. Gustav Nono Tjituka of Epukiro Chiefs Sport Club said his team is ready for battle in the third division, as the prime aim is to have a premier league team from Epukiro constituency.
“It is good that NFA announced the commencement date, which will help us shape up. This will be a tough battle in the division ,considering the top players the Omaheke region has,” Tjituka said.
The Gobabis-based team is currently facing challenges in the training field as the region’s main field, Legare Stadium is still closed for recovery.
He further calls on the supporters to rally behind the team, and assist with whatever they can.
“This is a community team, and local businesspeople in the region must assist where they can, as playing in the league is demanding,” he said.
On his part, Frans Jassie of the City Boys FC shared that despite winning the league, the team’s other priority is to groom players for the regional U/20 team.
The team is currently training at Kanaan A Soccer Field.
“We always play games during weekends in mini-tournaments to keep our players fit and busy,” he said.
One of the challenges Jassie said was the registration of teams in the third division.
“There is no E-connect where we can register our players. We don’t know who is funding the division, as money is a challenge for many teams in the division,” he said.
Jassie added that City Boys FC do not have a proper kit and appealed to good Samaritans for assistance. Uataviza Patire of Aminuis Sport Club, said preparations are going on, though at a slow pace.
“We formed the team recently to instil confidence and nurture the talent of Aminuis young players. They must go all the way to the top division and lift the name of our constituency,” he said.
One of the challenges facing Omenje Kariapeke team, the manager said, is the registration of players, as some don’t have documents.
“We are also struggling with football equipment and that is hampering preparations for the league kick-off.
The Aminuis community must aid this team, as it is for all the inhabitants,” he said.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com