The draw for this year’s National Youth Games was conducted on Wednesday, and regions now know their opponents across various sporting disciplines. 

The event, slated for 11 to 15 September in Oshakati, Oshana region, will feature competitions in football, volleyball, netball and basketball.

In basketball, Pool A of the men’s division will see Erongo face off against Kavango West, Karas, Oshana, Hardap and Omusati.

 Meanwhile, Pool B is led by Otjozondjupa, which will compete against Ohangwena, Khomas, Kavango East, Oshikoto and Zambezi.

For the women’s basketball division, Pool A consists of Oshikoto, Zambezi, Hardap, Ohangwena, Khomas and Erongo. 

Pool B includes Oshana, Kavango West, Otjozondjupa, Karas and Kavango East.

In netball, Pool A sees Omaheke going head-to-head with Kavango East, Erongo, Karas, Zambezi, Kunene and Hardap. In Pool B, Kavango West faces Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati and Otjozondjupa.

Volleyball will also feature tough matchups. 

In the men’s division, Pool A includes Zambezi, Oshana, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, Karas, Hardap and Oshikoto, while Pool B sees Khomas, Ohangwena, Kunene, Omaheke, Kavango West, Erongo and Kavango East competing for top honours.

In the women’s volleyball division, Pool A includes Omaheke, Erongo, Kavango West, Otjozondjupa, Karas, Kavango East and Omusati, while Pool B features Oshana, Zambezi, Ohangwena, Kunene, Oshikoto, Khomas and Hardap.

Football will be split into three pools for both the men’s and women’s divisions. 

In the men’s division, Pool A features Kunene, Omaheke, Omusati, Kavango East and Hardap. 

Pool B consists of Zambezi, Karas, Khomas, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa, while Pool C pits Ohangwena against Oshana, Oshikoto and Erongo.

For the women’s football division, Pool A includes Khomas, Zambezi, Kunene and Otjozondjupa. 

Pool B features Omaheke, Kavango East, Hardap, Ohangwena and Omusati, while Pool C sees Kavango East take on Oshikoto, Karas and Oshana.

Speaking to this publication about the region’s preparations, Erastus Someno, the sports officer for the Kavango East region, expressed confidence in their readiness for the upcoming games.

“Our teams are fully prepared to showcase their talents. As leaders, we’ve done everything within our power to ensure they are ready. 

These games are vital for talent development and identification, and we are thrilled that the young athletes will get the chance to compete against others from across the country. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them – not only in terms of sports but also in sharing cultural experiences with their peers from different regions. 

We are hopeful for a successful edition of this year’s youth games,” he said.

The youth games were last held in Rietfontein in 2020. 

This year’s event promises to bring excitement to the fans and athletes. 

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na