Africa-Press – Namibia. THE latest instalment of the Okapya Annual Sport Tournament takes place at Ondangwa from 22 to 25 December at Eleven Morning Stars Sport Field near Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport.
The event is aimed at engaging and uniting the youth during the festive season in order to keep them away from harmful activities.
Chiefly sponsored by Okapya Liner Transport, the tournament gives small and medium enterprises the opportunity to showcase their products and services, while providing players with the exposure to be spotted by scouts.
The youth and veteran football competitions remain the main attractions, with the winner and first runner-up in the former section to receive a full football kit.
“There are no restrictions, and any team can participate in the youth soccer, be it from the Debmarine Namibia Premier League, first division or a newly established team,” said event coordinator Sandro Ithana.
“In previous editions the tournament has attracted teams as far as Windhoek, and many Namibia Premier League players were spotted in action at the tournament.
“Young Generation from Windhoek are the current champions,” Ithana said.
“They are winners for 2019 and 2021. We couldn’t host this tournament in 2020 due to Covid-19. It is 100% confirmed that this tournament will be officiated by referees from the Oshana Football Association. They are the same referees that we had at previous editions.”
Registration for youth soccer is N$1 000 and the due date for registration is 21 December, the same day the draw will be conducted at Okapya Liner Bar.
The youth competition winner will get N$10 000, a floating trophy and 18 gold medals to go with their football kit.
Second place will be rewarded with N$5 000, silver medals and a kit, while third place is worth N$3 000 and 18 bronze medals.
“This time, we will only have exhibition matches for four teams that have received special invitations to participate at the Okapya Tournament Veteran Soccer. Unlike the youth soccer, only players above the age of 35 are allowed to participate in the veteran games,” said Ithana.
The event is made possible by: Coca Cola, Top Score, Namibia Private Ambulance Service, Onambula Investment Group, Piyet Service, Atai Investment, Oshana Football League, Namibia Football Association, Energy 100 FM, Visible Communication, Omaalala Investment, Kashipu Investment CC, African Grain Millers and Nicky Real Estate.
“For upcoming entrepreneurs, limited exhibitor stalls are available for N$500. There are no restrictions, they can sell whatever they want.
“I believe this is a good platform to celebrate together with their families during this festive season.”
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