Africa-Press – Namibia. ORGANISER of the Okapya Annual Football Tournament 2025 has announced that it will take place at Eleven Morning Stars Sport soccer field at Okapya, Ondangwa, from today to 21 December.
Tournament founder Sandro Ithana says the competition aims to foster community development, unite young people and prevent crime during the festive season.
He says the competition gives participants a chance to showcase their skills, giving coaches an oppurtuity to scout for fresh players and talent to bolster their teams competing in various national leagues.
“The tournament has over the years grown to an extent that more cooperate companies are getting involved by supporting it,” Ithana says.
“We have also received support from the community. The tournament has attracted participants from all corners of the country including former and current national team players, which is a good sign.”
He says the first tournament was held in 2018.
“The focus of this year’s tournament is on individual awards. The player of the tournament will receive N$3 000 and a trophy, up from N$1 000 the previous year. The top goal scorer will receive N$2 000 and the golden boot award, up from N$750 the previous year,” Ithana said.
Ithana says this year’s competition will feature both youth and veteran footballers.
He says all players aged 37 or over are eligible to participate in the veteran category, with a requirement to present their national identification before each game.
“First prize is N$10 000, a trophy and 18 gold medals. The second prize winners get N$5 000 and 18 silver medals. The third prize winner walks away with N$2 500 and 18 bronze medals. The fourth winning prize is N$2 500,” Ithana says.
“Northern Coaches defeated Ondangwa Masters in the final last year to win the veteran soccer title for the 2024 Okapya Tournament,” he says.
He says since the youth soccer competition is open to all teams and has no restrictions, it often draws a large number of teams from across Namibia.
Last year Tse Yakuku FC won the youth soccer tournament after defeating Omandindi FC in the final.
“This year the first-place prize is N$20 000, a trophy, 18 gold medals and a football kit. The second-place prize is N$10 000, 18 silver medals and a football kit. Third place is N$5 000 and18 bronze medals, and the fourth prize is N$5 000,” Ithana explains.
“The two teams that advance to the final will wear the two soccer kits for the final game, which were sponsored by Pupkewitz Goldwagen. This is the main highlight of the Youth Soccer final. “
Ithana says exhibitor stalls will also be available at the event.
“We are targeting small and medium enterprises to earn money for Christmas and New Year’s and be ready for January’s return to school,” he says.
Tournament supporter Albertus Scholtz says he enjoys the event because watching local sport is a form of community connection.
“I love to watch my favorite teams compete. The atmosphere and the energy surrounding live sporting events is unlike anything else because the crowd cheers,” he says.
“Aside from simply watching the game unfold, fans are constantly kept on the edge of their seats, as even the smallest of moves can completely turn around the outcome of the match.”
Another supporter, Steven Brendell, says he watches the tournament because he finds the sport interesting, exciting and thrilling.
“Watching soccer is always quite a unique experience for me because it can relax me and inspire new motivation within me,” Brendell says.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch.
It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
