Hilma Nalupe

Football fans in Okahandja are in for a treat this Saturday as Okahandja Football Club hosts a four-team pre-season tournament at the Nau Aib stadium. 

The one-day event will feature Okahandja FC, Life Fighters FC, African Stars FC and Eleven Arrows FC, all using the platform to fine-tune their squads ahead of the much-anticipated 2025/2026 Namibia Premier League Football season.

The tournament will kick off with Okahandja FC taking on Life Fighters at 10h00, followed by a clash between African Stars and Eleven Arrows at 12h00. 

The day will conclude with a third-place playoff and the grand final later in the afternoon.

Okahandja FC head coach Richard Gariseb said the event is primarily aimed at helping teams build momentum for the season. 

“This tournament is for preparation for the upcoming season. We will be trying out new players that we want to see, so it’s a chance to give them a run and get some match fitness,” he said.

African Stars team manager Andrew Tjahikika shared that the competition comes at a perfect time for his team. 

“Stars are in a preparation stage. This is the second tournament we are playing after returning from the CAF Champions League games,” he said.

Tjahikika added that the tournament will give fans a first look at several new faces in the African Stars team as they continue to work on improving combinations and overall gameplay.

With the four clubs in action and bragging rights up for grabs, the Nau Aib Stadium is expected to draw a lively crowd as teams test their strength ahead of the 2025/2026 season.  -hilmanalupe@gmail.com