Gobabis - Amidst the hype of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup over the Easter weekend, stalls of all shapes and sizes in the bustling streets of Gobabis and inside the stadium fed the masses with all kinds of delicious meats and bread varieties.
The air was adorned with the aroma of braai meat, fried chicken feet, golden brown vetkoek and succulent donkey meat. There were also ‘roosterbrood’, Herero bread, ‘stampvleis’ and even potato chips.
Among the vendors were Violet Hindjou, Mujame Tjejamba, Annalene Motonane and Julanda Leswape who provided portions at affordable prices.
A bubbly Hindjou shared that they started setting up on Thursday afternoon leading to the Easter weekend, even though the competition only kicked off on Friday and ended Monday, which culminated in victories for Omusati in football and Khomas, who clinched the netball top prize.
Hindjou’s setup included putting up a tent in which they slept for four rainy and windy days.
“We had to make sure that everything was ready. Some nights were cold, but we wanted to make sure that we sold food and make some money. At some point one of our gazebos was blown away by the wind and our customers had to chase it down,” narrated a chuckling Hindjou.
She continued that they met people from all walks of life and could tell that they enjoyed their warm meals.
“We bought the meat from a local butchery and sold pieces in the range of N$10 and N$20, with nice pap. We realised that a lot of customers didn’t want salad, so we focused on meat and pap,” she enthused.
Apart from the fluctuating weather conditions, the other challenge they experienced was the long distance between them and their clients.
“We could have made more money if we were closer to the gates or the field itself. But the municipality placed us some metres away from the field. Customers dreaded walking all over to where we were stationed. I think this must change in the future because we paid about N$300 for a spot,” said Hindjou.
Meanwhile, Tjejamba does regret their decision to overnight at their spot, in their tent, braving the unfavourable weather conditions.
“Despite the cold, we hustled. We are mothers and there are little ones waiting to be fed. If you sit at home and complain, who will assist you? It was worth it, and we will do it again if an opportunity arises. Only this time, we will plan better,” she said.
Tjejamba added that to be a good vendor, excellent communication skills are key.
“You must talk to people, find out where they are from and make friends, that way, they always come back to your stall,” she advised.
Donkey meat, chicken feet
Another vendor, Motonane, who paid N$220 to set up her stall next to one of the main roads, has a passion for cooking and that the cup competition presented the perfect opportunity for her to showcase her skills.
Working together with family members, Motonane served her signature donkey meat dishes with warmth and hospitality, as well as crispy chicken feet seasoned to perfection.
She said they would set up as early as 06h00 and leave only when the food is sold out.
“The visitors really supported us. There was stiff competition, but we were the only ones selling chicken feet for N$1.50. People really enjoyed them,” she said.
For her and her family, the cup was more than just a sporting event, it was a celebration of community and culture.
Her friend, Julanda Leswape and right hand person at the stall, said the support was overwhelming. However, she implored the municipality to clean up the area before vendors set up.