Africa-Press – Namibia. OMANDINDI FC from Windhoek are the new Okapya Annual Sport Tournament kings after dethroning Tse Ya Kuku on Christmas Day.
The new champions won a tense penalty shoot-out 5-4 to claim the four-day tournament honours after the match ended goalless inside regulation time.
“The final attracted so many spectators since both teams are from Windhoek, and the players displayed a skilful game of football,” chief organiser Sandro Ithana said on the day.
Omandindi received N$10 000, gold medals, a trophy and new gear, sponsored by Okapya Liner Transport, for their efforts.
Tse Ya Kuku walked away with N$5 000, silver medals and gear, with K Eleven getting N$3 000 and bronze medals.
The two teams in the final donned sponsored kit during the hard-fought match.
Omandindi ace Nasho Hashipala was crowned player of the tournament and received a Top Score hamper.
Jesaya Walcot of Esperance FC’s five goals earned him the N$500 golden boot prize and a Top Score hamper.
In total, 46 goals were scored across 25 matches, with 46 yellow cards and five reds dished out for foul play.
The tournament attracted an average of 1 500 spectators, while 20 exhibitors signed up to sell their products.
“The tournament’s main aim is exposing players to be scouted by established teams. One day I want to see players from the Okapya tournament playing in the Debmarine Namibia Premier League,” Ithana said.
“The event also aimed at uniting young people and keeping them engaged with positive activities during the festive season, and we believe doing so could reduce the crime rate,” he said.
This year’s event was made possible with the support of main sponsor Okapya Liner Transport, Coca Cola, Top Score, Namibia Private Ambulance Services, Onambula Investment Group, Piyet Service, Atai Investment, Energy 100 Fm, Visible Communication, Omaalala Investment, Kashipu Investment CC, African Grain Millers, and Nicky Real Estate.
“I am urging new sponsors to come on board and support this annual community initiative for us to make it bigger and better,” Ithana said.
Oshana governor Elia Irimari launched the fourth edition of the tournament on 21 December at Okapya.
Also involved in making the event a success were Ondangwa Rural councillor Abraham Kawushiweni, former Okaku councillor Josef Endjala, Okapya Liner Transport owner Phillip Lucas, and former Brave Warriors striker Geoffrey Roman, as well as Alvo Mufeti and Herman Kalimbo.
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