Zebaldt Ngaruka
The Oviketana football team won the fourth edition of the annual Jungle Winter Football Day Cup tournament that was held at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Technical Centre in the capital on Saturday.
The one-day tournament comprised mainly non-league players, who formed eight football teams and competed for a cash prize of N$5 000 in addition to a trophy and medals.
In the first quarterfinal, Parliament Football Club defeated The Spot 2-1, while Club V6 overcame Monis by a 1-0 scoreline.
In the third quarterfinal, El Maestro emerged 2-0 winners to book their place in the semi-finals.
The last quarterfinal featured Platinum and Otjongutukiro, and the latter clinched victory via a 1-0 scoreline.
The first semi-final saw V6 Club defeat Parliament 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
The second semi-final saw Oviketana claim the victory against Platinum 5-4 on penalties, following a one-all stalemate in regulation time.
Oviketana claimed the top honours with a 4-3 penalty victory, following their 2-2 draw in regulation time to become the Jungle Winter Football Day Cup 2023 champions.
The champion, Oviketana, pocketed N$2 500, a trophy and 20 gold medals, whereas V6 took home N$1 500 and 20 silver medals as runners-up.
Platinum and Parliament each walked away with a cash prize of N$500 as semifinalists.
The Oviketana’s team manager, Kaloko Uapingene, paid tribute to the players for their tremendous display on the field.
“We have experienced players in the names of Rudolph Bester, Jamuu Ngatjizeko, Kajojo Tjiharuka and Mbaningira Kandonga, who motivated others in the field. We played friendly games against the Ramblers, and that helped in terms of fitness,” Uapingene said.
The manager also said his team would be ready for the other upcoming event, slated for August.