Zebaldt Ngaruka

GOBABIS – The Stinkwater football team from Gobabis won the first edition of the Ignatius Kariseb Legacy Cup held at Drimiopsis Sports Ground on Sunday. 

The honorary tournament in the Omaheke region, was organised by the residents of Kalahari constituency to remember the councillor Kariseb for his remarkable work in the area during his two-term tenure. 

The competition worth N$33 000 attracted 15 football teams from different constituencies in the region and played in a knock-out format. 

Epata FC from Otjinene locked horns against Nankuse FC from the Omitara with the latter scoring a solitary goal in the first semifinal. 

This was followed by a highly competitive second semifinal match between two Gobabis-based teams Stinkwater and Kasongo FC. 

The Stinkwater emerged 4-3 on penalties following a one-all draw in regulation time and Stinkwater booked their place in the final. 

Stinkwater were then crowned winners when they stunned Epata 12 -11 on penalties following a one-all draw. 

In addition to a trophy, Stinkwater pocketed N$15 000 and 18 gold medals while Epata FC received N$7 000 cash as runners-up, plus 18 silver medals. 

The Nankuse FC and Kasongo each pocketed N$3 000 as semi finalists. 

Asked about what contributed to the team’s victory, Stinkwater head coach Albert Thys said he couldn’t believe that his team can go this far and win the inaugural competition. 

“I am very happy, we played against strong teams like Scorpions FC and we emerged victorious. We trained together and are happy for the victory,” he said. 

He said winning the first game against Scorpions, one of the top teams in the region, gave them a major boost to their achievement. 

“We are so glad that we close the year on a high note, our preparations for the third division are boosted with the money we got from the competition,” Thys said. 

Stinkwater is now eyeing third division kick-off, and the head coach highlighted that training equipment and sports gear are hampering their preparations. 

“It’s difficult, but we have to keep on going through the rock to achieve our goal. Any sponsorship will be welcomed and will help us reach the top,” he said. 

-zngaruka@yahoo.com