By:Uakutura Kambaekua
Opuwo Town Council, along with other private sponsors, spearheaded the long-awaited Opuwo third division football league over the weekend.
It saw a massive sponsorship of more than N$90 000 aimed at injecting financial muscles into the newly birthed initiative.
Opuwo’s third division football league was officially formed in 2017 following various deliberations and engagements from the town’s youths, who thought there was a need to institute an independent grassroots football league that will not just boost sporting activities in Kunene’s dusty town but equally identify and provide a platform for untapped talents in the town’s surroundings.
The league consists of nine teams and has the backing of the region’s mother body, Kunene Second Division Football League under the auspices of the Namibia Football Association (NFA).
The launch was officiated by Outjo’s mayor, Johannes Mapelo, who lauded the regional sports management for backing grassroots sporting activities, noting that the regional council has, since the onset, supported the initiative.
“After concerns of not having organised football in Opuwo, the entire council put in its efforts and sacrifices to take this where we are today. All the hard work, running up and down behind the scenes, securing small donations through the trade fairs for the construction of the sports facilities and soliciting funds towards the commencement of the Opuwo Third Division,” stated Mapelo.
Mapelo also narrated that the establishment of the league has been a long journey, one they now take pride in.
He added that OTC remains at the forefront of directing developmental initiatives of the town.
“Our efforts remain steadfast, the construction of better sports facilities is ongoing, and the tender process is about to be completed for the actual construction to commence,” he said while urging the community to use the facilities cautiously.
The league’s chairperson, Vakatika Hindjou said the initial purpose of the league’s establishment was to help the youth shy away from unwarranted activities while assisting them in achieving and fulfilling their god-given talents through sports.
According to Hindjou, the league qualifies to partake in NFA tournaments due to its status and affiliation with the KFL.
Apart from Opuwo’s league, KFL also recently announced that Kamanjab is en route to initiating its own league.
Kanemo Hamukulu is the third division league’s deputy chairperson. Jeura Tjauira and Tjituka Ndjai are Treasurer and Vice-Treasurer respectively, Rikondjerua Tjindandi is the league’s Secretary General while Cleff Tjiposa heads the PRO department.
The nine teams registered with the league are, Epupa Zebra Stars, Opuwo Town Council, Opuwo Golden Wolves, Clever Boys, Hotdpring, Opuwo Young Kings, Opuwo Young Rangers, Opuwo United and Western Boys.