Zebaldt Ngaruka

The Ovinjuru football team from the Epukiro constituency won the second edition of the Omaheke Top 20 clubs on Sunday at the Khomasdal stadium in Windhoek.

The competition held under the auspices of Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation, saw 20 football teams from Aminuis, Otjombinde, Otjinene, Eiseb, and Epukiro vie for N$24 000 plus trophies and medals.

To be crowned champion, the Ovinjuru football team defeated defending champions Fine Young Stars from Otjinene in the final 2-1. Epukiro-based Otjimati overcame Young Stars from Otjombinde 2-0 in the first quarterfinal to book their place in the semifinal.

This was followed by the encounter between Ovinjuru up against Okauua Rovers, of which Ovinjuru knocked out the Otjinene-based team 1-0 to qualify for the semifinal stage of the competition.

Renamo Bucks from Okombomi defeated Epata from Otjinene 1-0, and this was followed by a highly contested match between Fine Young Stars and Otjombinde-based Straight Forward football team.

The defending champions Fine Young Stars emerged victorious 5-4 on penalties following a one-all draw in regulation time and thus booked their place in the semifinal.

Ovinjuru battled against Otjimati in the first semifinal and won the game 5-4 on penalties following a one-all draw.The second semifinal saw Fine Young Stars knock out Renamo Bucks 6-5 on penalties after a goalless stalemate in regulation time.

The Ovinjuru then eliminated Fine Young Stars 2-1 and crowned champions of the Omaheke Top 20 clubs.Speaking to New Era Sport on his team’s victory, Zuma Kangootui, who is the player-coach for Ovinjuru, said commitment was key to his team’s achievement.

“Credit will go to fellow team players and management. We had a very young team but managed to reach this far. We worked hard, and discipline was a prime factor in our victory,” said Kangootui.

He added that Fine Young Stars gave them a tough time but his players did not lose focus.

“We maintain our momentum and focus on our tactics against strong opponents. Our players also received performance accolades, and that shows commitment and dedication to all of us,” he emphasised.

On his part, Fire Kahuikee, who is the president of Fine Young Stars, said it was a tough battle between the two Omaheke giant teams.

“As previous winners, we are happy with the team’s journey and wish the winners all the best.”

Kahuikee added that tournaments of this magnitude contribute to the development of football, especially amongst rural communities.

“The organisers require huge support. Our team had a schoolboy from Otjinene Secondary who scored in the final. That is a good sign of development,” added the president.

The Top Goal Scorer award was shared between Ovinjuru’s Zuma Kangootui and Ronaldo Ripunda after both netted two goals each.

Vekatjata Kahuure of Ovinjuru went home with the Man of the Match award, whereas Kepa Nambaru received the Goalkeeper of the Competition award after producing a stellar performance overall.

The champion Ovinjuru pocketed N$12 000, a trophy plus 20 gold medals, whereas Fine Young Stars took home N$6 000 and 20 silver medals.

Otjimati and Renamo Bucks each pocketed N$3 000.

Ngatuuane Hange, who is the chairperson of the organising committee, complimented the participants for their cooperation throughout the competition.

“From the organising point of view, we accomplished our task easily as teams were cooperating. We managed to pay them accordingly on the spot and discipline was the order throughout the competition.”

Hange further urged rural teams to include more youth in sports activities.

“The youth are challenged by lack of recreational activities and sport is the key and it will enable them to expose and show their talent. We produced many players that went to represent the national team from these types of competitions,” he emphasised.

*Zebaldt Ngaruka is a freelance journalist based in the Omaheke region.