Zebaldt Ngaruka
The newly promoted premier league team, Okakarara Young Warriors, awarded season top performers over the weekend.
In an interview with New Era Sport, Bricks Kaaronda, the assistant manager for the Okakarara-based team, said the awards ceremony was held as a token of appreciation for players’ efforts to take the team to Namibia’s top-tier league.
“It was not an easy season. The team struggled financially, and the boys sacrificed the little we had for the love of the club. Credit goes to all the players. They are all winners,” Kaaronda explained.
He added the ceremony was also an encouragement for the next season, as all players received appreciation certificates and medals.
The trophies were given to top performers only.
“Of course, next season will be a bit different – and as newcomers in the premier league, challenges await us ahead. This awards ceremony will also motivate the boys to work harder and remain in the country’s elite league,” alluded Kaaronda.
Utjevera Rukata scooped the Player of the Season accolade, while Mekapurua Jaepa received the Goalkeeper of the Season award.
Jaepa produced an outstanding performance between the sticks for the Okakarara outfit and managed twelve clean sheets out of 23 games last season.
The Defender of the Season trophy went to Barmen Hameva, whereas Michael Kamuserandu’s hard work in the middle of the park earned him the Midfielder of the Season accolade.
Vezumburuka Uamenga got the Top Goalscorer award from the seven goals he netted last season, whereas Hameva again received the club’s Most Improved Player of the Season for his steady work in Young Warrior’s defence.
Discipline remains a major aspect of any achievement, and the Okakarara-based team awarded Operi Rukata with the Most Disciplined Player of the Season trophy.
Mbitjita Tjiriange’s goal against Ongwediva City in the second-round league match at a fully packed Oshakati stadium earned him the Goal of the Season award.
Also, Tjiriange, following his stellar performance throughout the season, was voted by fellow teammates as Players’ Player of the Season, and took home two trophies.
Asked about the team’s preparation for the coming season, the assistant manager said the boys started training already three weeks ago.
“The boys are already in the camp. We want to start our pre-season with friendly matches against some top teams in the country, which will be announced in due course,” Kaaronda explained.
He added it is early to tell who the new signing will be and who is leaving the club.
“We will keep it on our chest, but the announcement will be made before the season kicks off,” he emphasised.
The team, according to Kaaronda,
is yet to receive their winning bonus from NFA on their promotion, which could help fund the players on their hard work.
Attacking midfielder Rukata, who won the Most Disciplined Player award, told New Era Sport he is overwhelmed by the recognition from the team.
“It really means a lot, as discipline
is the key component for one to excel in life. Hard work and discipline will take us far, and I
have to thank the team management for all their efforts to take this team far,” added the 23-year-old player, who plays as number 10 for the Warriors.
Okakarara Young Warriors football team was established in 2015.