Zebaldt Ngaruka 

The coordinator for the Omaheke Football League Hansina Nunuhes said the third division promotion playoffs held over the weekend at Gobabis were a success.

She told New Era Sport that 22 football teams vied for the third-tier league in the region, where 12 emerged victorious.

“It was a very competitive and healthy battle as all teams in the region were given a chance to shine and gain promotion. All constituencies were represented, except Otjombinde, and the atmosphere at the playoffs was very friendly,” said the coordinator. 

The third division is known as a feeder league for both the second and first-division teams.

The Omaheke third-tier league will comprise Stink Water FC, Omaheke United, Gobabis Town Rangers, City Boys, Forest Rangers, Gobabis Sports Club, No Mercy FC, Scorpion FC, Platinum Stars, Aminuis FC, Kalahari Lions, Epukiro Chiefs. 

Nunuhes said the date for the commencement of the league is yet to be announced and teams will be informed officially once it is set.

“Teams which qualified for the league can now register until 11 October 2024. We are using the manual registration process for now until the Namibia Football Association tells us otherwise,” said the coordinator. 

Nunuhes added that registration for the Women’s Regional League is underway, and only seven teams have registered so far.

“This registration process will also continue until 11 October, and three other teams promised to come on board before the closing date. We can still accommodate up to 12 women’s teams if they are willing to join this league,” she said.

The registered teams are Omaheke Queens Sports Club, Otjinene Sports Club, Laville Ladies FC, 062 Citizens, Omaheke City Girls, Kalahari Angela and Desert Rollers Ladies.

Nunuhes urged teams to prepare for participation in the league, as the level of professionalism is mandatory throughout.

“We want teams to have email addresses, proper documentation systems and letterheads for their official documents, among others,” she emphasised.

Asked whether the third-tier league has sponsors, Nunuhes said no sponsors have come on board yet, and the league will depend on the NFA grant for now.

The teams need sponsors and cooperating companies and individuals in the region must play their part in developing sports.

“It is difficult to acquire sponsorship these days. Teams are struggling in these lower divisions even to buy food for players. The owners of the teams must dig deeper into their pockets to sustain their teams, or they must find some sponsorship,” she said.

Nunuhes also urged teams to set up committees that might be involved in running the league.

“We are upgrading to the professional level, and teams must be well-prepared. 

They must have their constitutions electronically as most things are done in e-connection as per NFA statutes,” she stated. 

-zngaruka@yahoo.com