Zebaldt Ngaruka 

Otumbonde Sport (SC) manager Charles Katuzemba Tjiroze said his team’s prime focus is to develop players to play at top level either locally or internationally. 

The club known as Red Fire is one of the strong contenders in the Omaheke region’s competition. Its netball team won major competitions under the auspices of the Namibia Rural Sport Development Federation (NRSDF) for a decade. 

The football team’s number one goalkeeper, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, is playing for South Africa’s Highbury FC in the first division league, the Motsepe Foundation Championship. 

Another club’s product is Stanley Mujame Ndjavera, who plays for FC Ongos in the Namibian Premier League. 

Red Fire’s football team lost to the Epukiro champions Ovinjuru FC in the semifinals of the prestigious December tournament last year, while the netball team shared the final prize money with Otjijere ladies. 

Sharing the club’s plans with New Era Sports, Tjiroze said the club decided to participate in all local tournaments as preparation for the major Epukiro Annual December tournament. 

“We have already started at the Omaheke Top 20 were both our teams featured. That was a starting point, even though the results were not favourable, but the display on the field was superb,” he said. 

Tjiroze added that he was not bothered by the early exit, but his focus was on the team’s mission and the display on the field, considering the circumstances the team had. 

He emphasised that the club’s mission is to play a lot, and it is also planning to host a tournament under its name this year. 

“We are composed of many talented players who need more exposure at the top level. This will also encourage us to register the team in the social league,” said the manager. 

He said that education is the greatest equaliser, and he, together with the people of Otumbonde, is making sure that the youth are motivated in pursuing their educational career. 

Ouandjirikomuti Ndjavera, the team’s captain, said the team’s future is in good hands, and cooperation is sweeping across the Red Fire. 

The netball captain, Kokuuakupi Mbatara, said the management initiative is worth supporting, noting that most of the team’s netball players play in various leagues. 

Mbatara added that the team is eyeing big things this year, as they plan to honour departed people from their village with some competitions. 

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