Zebaldt Ngaruka
Omaheke’s athletic zones will assemble in competition against each other in the regional games tomorrow at the Legare Stadium in Gobabis.
The event is the platform where the region’s athletic zones battle against each other and top performers are selected to represent the region at the national athletic games, slated for 9-11 May in Windhoek.
Omaheke athletics zones comprise Aminuis, Drimiopsis, Epukiro, Gobabis, Otjinene and Tallismanus.
Amongst others, athletes will compete in U/13 up to U/19 categories in all track items, such as 100 metres (m), 200m, 400m, 800m, 1 500m and 5 000m hurdles and field items like high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put and discus.
The games are expected to start at 07h00. New EraSport spoke to some zone leaders, who expressed their expectations for the region’s big athletics showpiece.
Aminuis zonal coordinator John Katataiza said his athletes are well- prepared and expected to do well at the regionals.
“We are well-known at these regional games. Two of our athletes in the name of Mbaundja and Javarua Hakuria, respectively, did well in the short sprints (U/15 and 17). We also have good prospects in the U/19 100m, 200m and 400m runs,” he added.
The coordinator said the mood in the camp is positive, and the athletes are training well.
Fanuel Urorua, who is heading the Drimiopsis zone, said his athletes are eyeing victory at the regional showpiece following their stellar performance at the zonal level.
“I don’t have much to say. We are going to Gobabis with the aim of qualifying many athletes for the nationals. We are doing final touches, and we are not pressuring our athletes, as we scare injuries,” said Urorua.
On his part, Ebson Ikuaterua Katuuo told this publication the Otjinene zone is a threat to opponents, as their record in athletics speaks volumes.
“We are taking 76 athletes; they trained well – thanks to Otjinene Athletics Club, which provided a major boost to our athletes.
We are the most-feared zone. We will keep our dominance in Gobabis, and qualify for the national event,” he said.
The Gobabis zone, under the auspices of Loritha Haradoes, postulated that their athletes trained well, and would use the home-ground advantage to qualify for the nationals.
“We are from here; we know how to run on the grass, and will fear no one. We have 167 athletes, and aim for nothing but the national games,” she said.
On her part, Pauldia Tjerivanga, who oversees the Epukiro zone, said her zone is ready to travel to Gobabis and rub shoulders with other zones.
“We took our best athletes from the zonal games. We are now eyeing nationals, and I am confident we will do better at the regional games,” Tjerivanga said.
She added the Epukiro zone this year received a major boost after the marginalised Ovazemba learners were issued with national documents.
“This is good for our zone. They are talented, and now they can expose their talents without obstacles,” stated Tjerivanga.
The Tallismanus zone, spearheaded by Andreas Andreas, is confident of doing well at regionals like on the past.
“We are going to do our best, waiting for the day to come and do the talking in the field,” said Andreas.
However, the coordinator said his zone was hit with a major blow as one of their top middle-distance runners will miss the event – because of the lack of national documents.
“This is unfortunate; even our zone’s prospects from the San community in the short sprints, Ova and Kahepako Boesman (brothers) who dominated the U/17 and 19, will miss the regionals due to national documents issues,” he added.
Omaheke Namibia Schools Sport Union chairperson Ivo Mate said the region is ready for the event.
“Everything is in place, including logistical arrangements for our visitors or zones. We have availed busses, and they collect the respective teams on Friday,” emphasised Mate.
There will be trophies and medals for the top performers.
“This is for motivation purposes, and athletes must make use of this opportunity to do their best for the region. Omaheke’s presence must be felt at the national games in Windhoek. Do your best, as you might represent the country after national games,” the regional schools’ sports head motivated.
Mate further called on parents to rally behind their children in sports, as it encourages them to do better.
“Your presence at events like this is an extra motivation for them and they can take their talent seriously as well,” Mate noted.