By: Loise Shiimi
Top Score has committed N$300,000 to this year’s Top Score Oshiwana Tournament, a notable increase from last year’s investment of N$150,000.
This rise in funding has contributed to the tournament’s significant expansion, with 76 youth teams and 11 legends teams participating this year. Established in 2018 with just 47 soccer teams, the tournament saw growth last year with 71 soccer teams, 10 netball teams, and 9 volleyball teams partaking.
At the tournament’s launch, founder Jackson Da Silva spoke to the significance of this event for the O’four regions. He remarked that the tournament offers a platform for youth to showcase their skills in the various sports, reflecting the vibrant energy of their ages while also providing entrepreneurs a space to market their products over the four-day event.
“Sports possesses an incredible power to unite people, transcending age, background, and differences. Whether on the soccer field or volleyball court, we are united by our shared passion for the game and our desire to strengthen and connect our community,” he stated.
Da Silva encouraged players to seize the opportunity not only for victory, but also for personal growth. “I urge each of you to remember that while winning is important, it is not the sole measure of success. The friendships we forge, the teamwork we practice, and the respect we show one another truly define our achievements,” he said.
He also urged sports lovers to support the players and celebrate moments filled with joy, laughter, and learning, highlighting that together they can foster an atmosphere of camaraderie that reflects the best of the community. Additionally, this year’s tournament will include a women’s soccer category, aimed at affording women the opportunity to participate and showcase their talents.
The tournament is set to commence on Thursday, 31 July, running until 03 August 2025.
Regarding the prizes, the women’s soccer category will award a first-place prize of N$5,000 along with a trophy and gold medals, a second-place prize of N$3,000 and silver medals, and a third-place prize of N$2,000 and bronze medals.
In volleyball, the first-place prize will comprise a N$7,000 monetary reward, a trophy, and gold medals. The second-place prize will be N$5,000 with silver medals, with the third-place prize amounting to N$3,500 and bronze medals.
For soccer, the first-placed team will receive N$10,000, a trophy, gold medals, and a Top Score kit. In second, N$8,000 will be awarded, along with silver medals, and a Top Score kit, with N$5,000 and bronze medals for third place.
Meanwhile, Top Score brand manager, Diego Talaya, articulated the tournament’s broader goal, noting that the Oshiwana event is not solely about soccer, trophies, or medals.
“The tournament is about coming together from different corners, different streets, and different stories to play, cheer, connect, and dream together,” he remarked.
He also noted that this 8th edition of the Top Score Oshiwana Tournament has evolved, where every pass made on the pitch, every goal scored, and every whistle blown symbolises much more than just sport.
