Zebaldt Ngaruka 

GOBABIS – Gessy Tjonga, the newly elected Epukiro Sport Council (ESC) president, said new sport development ideas will be key during his three-year tenure.

Tjonga took over the presidency portfolio of the ESC from Ngatuuane Collec Hange, who had been acting since the resignation of Leo Kandetu last November.

Speaking to New Era Sports, after his recent selection as president, Tjonga said that a lot needs to be done to take sport in Epukiro to greater heights. 

“I have identified a key principle of local politics where I will be using my role to demonstrate the capability for future ones. This is not just about holding the title, but it’s about transforming that role from a ceremonial position into a powerhouse of community action and innovation,” he said.

Tjonga plans to create a youth sports desk in the Omaheke Regional Council office to serve the community. 

“This was never created before, it will be tangible, visible and be beneficial to the sporting community in the entire Omaheke region,” he said.

He added that he will draft a blueprint document that will be the guide to assist him in reaching his goals, such as acquiring sponsorship for our local teams,” said the president. 

Tjonga said youth sports in the Epukiro constituency are fragmented, noting that talent goes unnoticed, resources are scarce and there is no central point for coordination. 

“Parents and young athletes don’t know where to turn for support. The establishment of the youth sport desk will be a central hub for coordination, talent identification, resource mobilisation and communication,” he said.

Furthermore, Tjonga promised to work with the media to assist with the transmission of information.

“I will also work with local businesses to be closer to sport in our constituency. Local school principals and sports teachers will be key stakeholders in developing sport in Epukiro,” he added. The president said trustworthiness is one of the key aspects which he wants to enforce among the new leadership teams in the region. 

“Our forebearers who started this sport are no longer interested because they have lost love for our game due to ill-discipline among the youth,” he said.

Tjonga added that misuse of public funds is one of the key issues his office will look into, and he will expand to accommodate other sport codes in addition to football and netball.

“I also have plans to establish the Epukiro constituency Cup, which will contribute to the development of sport in our area. I will sit with all stakeholders and see how we will organise it,” he said, among others.

Tjonga, from Ovituua village, will be deputised by Ngatuuane Collec Hange as vice president, while Muningandu Mbaeva and Kavijanda Hange were elected, respectively, as secretary and vice secretary general of ESC. 

The final affairs of the ESC are in the hands of Koleka Karuuombe, who will be assisted by Wendy Hirokoherua, while Kuveri Tjonga retains the Public Relations Officer portfolio. 

Uzapo Tukuu Katjiutua, Kokuua Mbatara, Tjipee Nganjone and Kangeriuo Mbaeva will be leading the ESC women’s sport desk, while Kanye Kandorozu, Kakurupa Tjatindi, Tia Vetiraije Tjazerua and Ngarireo Ngaruka were elected as organisers.

The Epukiro constituency councillor, Pineal Packy Pakarae and Mitiri Nkrumah Matundu were present at the congress.

Among others, Pakarae assured the ESC leadership that land was available for the construction of sports facilities in Epukiro, and his office acknowledged the importance of sports in society.  

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