Zebaldt Ngaruka
The Walvis Bay-based football team, Runs United, won the inaugural Awilo Stephanus Open football tournament held at Khomasdal Stadium in the capital over the weekend.
The knockout competition worth N$ 40 000, started on Friday, and it has attracted 24 football teams from various parts of the country. En route to the final, Runs FC overcame Garden Boys 2-1 in the first semifinal encounter to book their place in the final.
In the second semifinal, TF Mafumhe FC (a team comprised of Zimbabwean nationals based in Namibia) stunned NDF-TE (Military School) by a goal to nil to meet Runs United in the final. Runs United was then crowned Awilo Stephanus Open tournament champions after defeating TF Mafumhe FC by 2-1 scoreline.
The champions took home a trophy, N$20 000 cash, and 20 medals, whereas TF Mafumhe FC pocketed N$10 000 cash and silver medals. The semi-finalists, Garden Boys and NDF-TE, walked away with N$ 5 000 each for their efforts.
Moses Nimingombe, Runs United head coach, shared with New Era Sports that he is excited about his team’s victory in the tournament. “I told my players the right information, and they followed my instructions, and that contributed to our victory. This is a major achievement for the club, and this is the first trophy in the team’s cabinet,” Nimingombe said.
The head coach added that the triumph in the capital has opened doors and brought confidence in the team to hunt for more glory. “I have to thank my players for the job well done. We will keep on trying as we are motivated to play any upcoming tournaments,” said the head coach.
Nimingombe also thanks the competition organisers for creating a platform for the players to showcase their talent. “This was an awesome experience, and we learned a lot from this tournament. We even made friendships with other clubs,” said Nimingombe, who added that most players benefited from this as it prepared them for their upcoming leagues.
Furthermore, Billa Kandjii, one of the competition organisers, said the competition was successful and all the crowds were superb.
“We are happy that we brought joy to the football lovers and enabled footballers to showcase their talent. The display on the field was excellent, and many teams came prepared and well organised,” he said.
Kandjii added that the only challenge at the famous Khomasdal Stadium was space to accommodate all the matches. “Due to the high number of teams in the competition, we moved some of our Saturday games to Hoer Tegniese Skool (HTS) Sports ground. This move made us finish the competition as expected.”
zngaruka@yahoo.com