Zebaldt Ngaruka 

GOBABIS – Sport coordinator of the Omatako settlement Erwin Katjiteo said the team Uitkoms San Girls will come back stronger for the Otjozondjupa Women Football League (OWFTL) next season. 

Uitkoms San Girls comprised mainly marginalised footballers who pulled out of the OWFL 2023/24 season due to challenges. 

Katjiteo told New Era Sports in the interview that the high unemployment rate in the settlement forced many players to vacate the area for greener pastures. 

“We found ourselves in a very unfortunate situation, where most of our players went to look for work at surrounding farms. Even the team manager went to Karibib for an employment opportunity,” he said. 

He said efforts are there to create employment opportunities for the players in the settlement.

“Our aim is to keep them here with work, and to play for our team. We will build garden projects that are similar to those at the farms where they are working. 

We will bring them back, and progress in the league,” said the coordinator.

He added that the area for gardens has been de-bushed, and preparations for planting animal feed are underway. 

In terms of sponsorship, Katjiteo told this publication that the Okahandja First National Bank (FNB) branch provided sports gear for the girls’ team, including soccer boots. “We are very thankful to FNB. Our girls are sorted with attires, and this will boost their morale for the next season,” he lamented.

Another boost for the girls is the construction of the soccer field in the Otjozondu area by the Otjozondu mine.

“This is another development in our area, and our girls’ team can make use of this field to play home games. We will cut travelling costs for our league matches, which is something vital for our team,” said Katjiteo.  The coordinator added that the new sports field will bring value to the settlement, as tournaments can be hosted to generate income for the team.

“We have talent here in Uitkoms. The San girls are talented, and they need to be motivated to showcase their talent. 

Our team will be a force to be reckoned with next season,” he added. 

Katjiteo emphasised that the aim is to see the marginalised San team in the women’s topflight football league, the Women’s Soccer League, soon. 

“That is our ultimate aim, and I am requesting all stakeholders in our vicinity to lay a helping hand and assist with whatever they can to make this dream come true,” said the coordinator. 

Uitkoms Girls team also planned a congress this December, where, new leadership is expected to be endorsed. 

The Otjozondjupa Women’s Football League is composed of 12 teams.

– zngaruka@yahoo.com