Zebaldt Ngaruka
EPUKIRO – The 12th edition of the Omaheke Top 8 football and netball competition will conclude this weekend at Legare Stadium in Gobabis.
The first round of the popular tournament kicked off last Saturday with 37 football and 22 netball teams, which are vying for N$36 000, in addition to trophies and medals.
One of the organisers, Kuveri Tjonga, said the competition was planned to end last weekend.
However, due to the high number of teams participating and the unavailability of headlights at the stadium, they were forced to reschedule it.
“This is a big tournament in the region. Its turnout is self-explanatory, and one weekend cannot cater to the region’s elite competition. Of course, we will end it on Sunday,” he said.
16 football teams remained for the second stanza of the tournament, while netball remains with four teams that will battle against each other in the semifinal encounters.
Tomorrow, the football matches will start at 07h30 in both groups A and B, whereas the netball fixtures will be played only on Sunday at 09h00.
Super Fox from Epukiro constituency will lock horns against Otjombinde-based Kajalami in the first football match in group A at A field.
This will be followed by the Okaumbangere football team from Otjinene, who will face Eiseb Block, while Aminuis-based Four Stars and Erindi United from Otjombinde will follow.
Two Epukiro-based teams, Ovinjuru and Pamue Eleven, will conclude the first-round matches at A field.
Eastern Swallows from Okomumbonde qualified for the quarter-final of the competition, and awaits the winner between Super Fox and Kajalami.
In group B, an Aminuis derby between Running Stars and Orevia will open the proceedings at 07h30 at B field, and this will be followed by Otjinene-based Real Madrid, who will lock horns against the Otjimati village team from Epukiro.
The football defending champion Otjozondjima will face a tough battle against youthful Fine Young Stars from Erindiroukambe, whereas El Classico awaits the winner from Running Stars and Orevia in the quarter-final.
On Sunday, Eastern Swallows and Kajalami will play the first netball semifinal at 09h00, and this will be followed by defending champion Fine Young Stars, who will face tough competition from Epukiro-based Otjimanangombe in the second semifinal.
The football semifinal will start at 08h00 on Sunday at B field.
Tjonga further urged the remaining teams to respect time to finish the tournament as planned.
“We do not want unnecessary delays, and we have to work together in a good spirit of togetherness to end our ‘champions league’ smoothly,” urged the organiser, who was recently promoted to the rank of Bishop at St. Joel Healing Christian church in Gobabis.
There will also be additional prizes for the player of the tournament in the football category, goalkeeper, midfielder of the tournament, coach and young player of the competition.
“We will also give special awards to the netball player of the tournament, young player and coach of the tournament,” added Tjonga.
The netball final is expected to start at 12h30, while football is at 14h00. Adults will be paying N$20 at the gate, while kids and vehicles will pay N$10 to enter the stadium.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com
Caption
Ready for action… The Omaheke Top 8 is set for completion this weekend.
Photo: Contributed