Zebaldt Ngaruka
The Otjozondjima football team from Epukiro constituency won the ninth edition of the Omaheke Top Eight tournament at Gobabis’ Legare Stadium on Saturday.
Five football teams were in contention for the final of the annual competition, which started on 8 June 2023 but was prolonged by the lack of sports facilities in the region.
Secret Stars from Otjinene beat Aminuis-based Fourth Stars 7-6 on penalties after a goalless stalemate in regulation time to book a semifinal place against Otjozondjima.
The first semifinal between the Gauteng football team from Aminuis and Ovinjuru ended with the former winning by a 2-1 score line to book a spot in the final.
The second semifinal ended with Otjozondjima winning 7-6 on penalties against Secret Stars, following a goalless draw in ninety minutes.
In the final encounter, Otjozondjima captain scored Apollo Hangero’s to lead his team to a 2-0 victory over Gauteng and claim the Top 8 Championship title.
The champion pocketed a cash prize of N$12 000 in addition to a trophy and 20 gold medals, whereas Gauteng walked away with N$7 000 plus 20 silver medals.
Each semi-finalist received N$3 000.
Ringo Siririka, who is the team manager for Otjozondjima, told New Era Sport he is happy about the team’s victory.
“This victory belongs to all of us. It was a tough battle. The boys fought hard, and they showed high-level commitment and discipline throughout,” Siririka said.
Gauteng team manager Jama Ngava said his team played well, and losing in the final was not bad.
“We played against a well-organised team; they capitalised on our mistakes, and we will work on them next time,” Ngava said.
Omaheke’s top eight, which attracted 34 football and 29 netball teams, was held under the auspices of Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation, and it vied for N$36 000.