Zebaldt Ngaruka
Following their impress ive performance at the recent Grand Brix in Gobabis, Otjinene Athletic Club (OAC) coach Marvin Tuaire said their club primarily aims to produce athletes to become national champions and represent the country at the international level.
OAC dominated the just-ended Leg8 games in Gobabis by scooping first places in different athletics categories.
Tuaire told New Era Sport that their club took 26 athletes from U/11 to senior level to the Omaheke region’s capital and outshined their counterparts from different clubs in the competition.
“We have already produced athletes like Kazaatjo Kambiri, who went to represent Namibia at U/20 championship in Zambia this year. She managed to qualify for finals in 400 metres (m), and the future looks bright,” the coach emphasised.
Tuaire added that Hitjivirue Hoveka, Uakotokarumue Kamutuezu, and Jaanda Hikarako also won the opportunity to represent the country last year at the Potchefstroom Games in South Africa.
“We are happy with Otjinene’s products, and we will work around the clock to identify raw talent in our constituency and expose them to bigger national events with the aim of international representation,” explained Tuaire.
At the Gobabis competition, OAC’s Mukuture Maveoro came first in the 80 and 100 metres of the U/11 categories, while Ngurimuje Kaunatjike claimed the first spots in 100 and 200 metres in the U/13 age group.
Kambiri produced another stellar by winning the 200 and 400 m in the U/17 category, while Hoveka claimed the first places in the U/19 long jump, 100 and 200 metres respectively.
In the senior category, McDonald Tjipetekera dominated after he came first in the 100m, second in 200m, and high jump.
“That was a very good performance from our club. Our training methods and motivation contributed to these tremendous results. The mood in the camp was high, and cooperation from the schools in the constituency helped us maintain the momentum of our athletes,” said the coach.
Tuaire also called on the corporate world to come on board and help athletes with sport gear and other needs.
“Most of our athletes are struggling with sporting gear, and some are running barefoot, which is worrisome. It will make a difference if we get help for these athletes. They must not wait until these youths become successful,” urged Tuaire.
He called on parents to view sport as an important part of life and an opportunity to make a living.
“Parents’ involvement in this sport will help us reach our aim, these young promising people need encouragement and guidance from homes as well,” explained Tuaire.
The OAC is currently preparing for the upcoming Athletic Carnival, slated for July this year at Otjinene Sports Complex.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com