By: Uakutura Kambaekua
The most celebrated football and netball rural tournament under the auspices of Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation that commenced last weekend is set to conclude on Sunday at the Khomasdal Sports Field in Windhoek.
The tournament, which dates back to more than 20 years ago, has yielded some remarkable talents that represent the Namibian national team, with some plying their trade in the South African premier league and other leagues across the African continent.
NRSDF spokesperson Ngatuuane Hange said that the tourney concludes on Sunday. The federation has been growing exorbitantly and has huge potential in identifying untapped talent at grassroots levels while ushering in a new era in transforming Namibia football.
The tournament, which has attracted 28 netball and 32 football teams from different rural constituencies, will see the remaining top four teams battle it out for N$ 45 000, of which N$ 15 000 is set aside for the netball category. In contrast, the remaining N$ 30 000 will be shared among the football top performers.
The winning side for the netball category will walk away with N$ 7 000, a trophy and 14 gold medals, with the runner-up to pocket N$ 4 000 and 14 silver medals while the semi-final losers will each settle for N$ 2 000.
The football champions will pocket N$14 000, plus a trophy and 22 gold medals, the runner-up will receive N$ 8 000 while the semi-final losers will walk away with N$ 4 000 each. According to Hange, the tournament organiser have also set aside additional awards for individuals who shows exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
Sunday’s netball fixtures will see Omaruru-based outfit Ohunukununa ya-Tjiperongo up against Epukiro based Otjimanangombe in the first semi-final match, followed by Otjombinde’s El Maestro versus Fine Young Stars from Otjinene.
In an all Omaheke regional affair, Otjinene’s based outfit Fine Young Stars will go toe to toe with Otjozondjima from the Epukiro constituency for the football category. The second semi-final will see Epukiro’s Eastern Swallows up against Young Stars from Otjombinde. The tournament, Hange noted, ‘s organised yearly and only comprises the top two teams from each of the NRSDF affiliated constituencies.
He said all COVID-19 protocols would be observed.
