OPUWO: In a significant sporting event, Oshakati-based Khuse Lions Football Club and local team Quelle Royals claimed championships in football and netball respectively at the Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah tournament held over the weekend at Opuwo’s Newman Katuta’s stadium.
According to a new release by Namibia Press Agency, one of the tournament organizers, Khuse Lions FC triumphed over Gobabis Boys FC in the semi-finals with a 2-1 scoreline. They later bested Okambuku FC in the finals, winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Quelle Royals rebounded from an opening loss to Kunene NamPol, ultimately defeating them with a 25-11 score in their second match-up.
As football champions, Khuse Lions FC were awarded a trophy and N.dollars 25,000. Okambuku received N.dollars 15,000 as runners-up, while semi-finalists Gobabis Boys and Arsenal FC each took home N.dollars 5,000. In the netball category, Quelle Royals won a trophy and N.dollars 10,000, with Kunene NamPol claiming N.dollars 5,000 in second place. Semi-finalists Putuavanga Secondary School netball team and Opuwo Youth team each received N.dollars 2,500.
In other categories, Namwater clinched victory in the tag-of-war segment, taking home N.dollars 2,500. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the host, won N.dollars 1,000 in the same event. The Rebels Volleyball team emerged victorious with a trophy and N.dollars 5,000, after besting Otjozondjupa NamPol, who took N.dollars 3,000, and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who took N.dollars 1,000 in third place.
The tournament, themed 'Youth Revival in Sports,' featured 32 football, 11 netball, four volleyball, and three tag-of-war teams. Organizer Taunodja Mbinge hailed the event as a success, citing the teams' excellent conduct and efficient event management. Plans are underway for a similar competition next year.
Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, speaking at the tournament's launch, emphasized the need for prioritizing investment in sports infrastructure and allocating resources to ensure equal access to sports facilities for all young people. “By doing so, we can foster a culture that encourages and supports the youth in their sports endeavours,” she said.