Otjozondjima, Erindiroukambe crowned Top Two champs
The Otjozondjima football team from Epukiro and Otjinenebased Erindiroukambe netball team emerged victors in the Top Two football and netball competitions on Sunday in the capital.
The tournament, which was held under the umbrella of the Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation (NRSDF), attracted 35 football teams and 29 netball teams. It started on 26 February, and was played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and Khomasdal Stadium.
Otjozondjima defeated Erindiroukambe 5-4 on penalties following a one-all stalemate in the first semi-final, whereas Eastern Swallows from Epukiro overcame Otjombinde-based Youngsters 1-0 in the second semi-final.
In the final, Otjozondjima secured a 2-0 victory over Eastern Swallows with goals from Apollo Hangero and Fatas Tjombe to win N$14 000, a trophy and 20 gold medals.
Swallows walked away with N$8 000 plus 20 silver medals as runners up, while Erindiroukambe and Youngsters took home N$4 000 each as semifinal losers.
In the netball competition, Erindiroukambe were crowned champions after overcoming Hukununa from Otjiperongo by a 31-27 scoreline.
The champions Erindiroukambe pocketed N$7 000, a trophy plus 12 gold medals, while Hukununa took home N$4 000 plus 12 silver medals as runners-up. The losing semifinalists Otjimanangombe and
Elmastro each walked away with N$2 000.
Otjozondjima team captain Apollo Hangero said his team’s victory emanated from hard work, adding that competitions of this nature should be given attention by the football authorities as they keep young people busy.
Sharing similar sentiments was Moses Katjiteo, the coach of Eastern Swallows, who said NRSDF tournaments are currently the only ones giving platforms to the youth to display their talents.
“One really has to applaud the organisers for this, and urge players to take this competition seriously. Job well done to my boys, as some players are not training due to challenges of sports facilities in the country,” he noted.