< Zebaldt Ngaruka
Ten football teams who participated in the JKP Cash Loan’s Football Night competition at Khomasdal stadium in the capital on Friday, produced some entertaining football matches.
The one-day knockout competition held under the auspices of Nudo member of Parliament Joseph Kauandenge, was aimed at reviving rural football and preparing players for their annual December competitions in their respective rural settlements.
In the first game, Life Inno City from Otjombinde emerged victors after defeating Okombomi-based Renamo Bucks 4 - 1 on penalties after both teams failed to hit the back of the net in regulation time.
The next match saw Opupa All Stars overcome their counterparts Okotjituuo 1 - 0 in the second game of the evening courtesy of Nandoo Tjisemo’s first-half goal.
This was followed by the encounter between Gam All Stars and Okondjatu All Stars, which was won 4-2 on penalties by Gam after the two teams failed to score in regulation time.
NBC’s Omurari football team locked horns against a team comprised of Ovambanderu and OvaHerero celebrities, and Omurari outshined their opponents 2-1 after the final whistle.
DJ Max T Tjiundje and Kandungu Kavari were on the scoresheet for Omurari, whereas Tjivi Katupose scored for the celebrities.
Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions respectively produced another classy performance in the final encounter of the evening.
With former national football players Rodger Kumbee Katjiteo and Nevile Tjiueza finding the target in a one-all stalemate.
Omaheke region won the encounter 4 - 3 on penalties to be crowned regional champion for 2023.
Speaking to New Era Sport, Seun Kamatjipose, who is the coach of the regional team, said his team was composed mainly of young players and surprised many with their stellar performance.
“Our opponents expected us to pick big-name players, but we wanted our youngsters to be scouted, and their display produced victory,” Kamatjipose said.
On his part, the tournament director Ngatuuane Hange said the huge crowd at the stadium showed that rural football tournaments have been at a standstill for a long time, and the community is hungry for them.
“We are thankful to the well-behaved crowd, and that is good for the development of sports, and the football display on the field was classy,” said Hange amongst
others.
The best-performing learners from Good Hope Primary School in Okovimburu and Okondjatu Combined School will benefit from the money raised at the event.
“We will assist them with stationery and school uniforms,” said the organiser.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com