Zebaldt Ngaruka
ERINDI RAMORO – Cecil Ngaipue Murangi, the head coach of Otjimati FC, said his team’s elimination from the Omaheke Top 20 was a learning curve.
Otjimati FC is one of the formidable sides in Omaheke region’s Epukiro constituency and caught many by surprise after being thwarted early from the prestigious competition held at Gobabis Legare Stadium recently.
The team better known as ‘Together’ started the competition with a victory against Otjiungukua from Aminuis; however, it was ousted by its Epukiro counterpart, Otjozondjima FC, in the second round of the tournament.
Murangi told New Era Sports that his team’s future looks promising despite the early exit from the tournament, saying that it was a learning curve.
“We are the winners because we participated in the region’s elite competition. The defeat is reasonable, considering the circumstances we had, and we learned,” said Murangi.
The head coach said the team struggled to field 22 players because most had other commitments.
“We only had 12 players, which were not enough to carry us throughout the competition. Nevertheless, they gave their part and lost to great sides,” he said.
Despite the defeat, Murangi said the team was able to test young players like Mbumbijazo Hoveka, who stood firm against experienced opponents.
“Mbumbijazo is only 18 and showed class in his defensive duties, where he marked out stars like Apollo Hangero, Tjiveta, and others who are of Premier League calibre. We also had Vidic Kahee and Uakundja Uazenga, who performed tremendously,” he said.
Murangi further stated that the Omaheke Top 20 was also a preparatory tournament for the team ahead of other upcoming competitions.
“It was a good test, and credit goes to my technical team, comprised of Zuma Patuuomasa, Kamara Hange, Nganjone Nganjone and all the supporters who rallied behind us. Their presence made a difference, and we will bounce back for the next tournament,” he acknowledged.
The head coach, who himself was a prolific goalscorer for African, Killus Eleven, Okatuuo FC, the national under-23 team, and his native Otjimati FC, placed some blame on his players for missing scoring opportunities.
“We played well, we were threatening our opponents but failed to find a final touch. This is something we must get rid of because our opponents will capitalise on that and defeat us. This was a lesson so let’s pass the examination in the coming tournaments,” he said.
Murangi further urged players to be vigilant about keeping themselves fit as the next tournaments are around the corner.
“We learned from the Top 20, and now the next upcoming tournament must be ours to win. We are capable of doing that, and this is a historic club that needs to go back to its winning ways,” he shared.
The head coach praised his players for trying their best in the country’s top league.
“I am not underestimating opponents, but the quality I have in this team speaks volumes. We have players like Turii Mbongora, who plays for champions African Stars, Uakundja Uazenga of Life Fighters, Theo Uazenga of Tigers FC and Bambe Tjahuha of Young African FC,” he said.
He also stated the team is committed to youth development, with most young players participating in their school teams up to the first division level.
“We got plans, and we have encouraged parents to try their best in registering their kids in football Academies whenever possible. Our prime objective is to nurture talent at an early stage. Together we can more,” he concluded.