The Khomas and Kavango West regions broke Otjozondjupa hearts on a hot, humid and energy sapping afternoon at Otjiwarongo yesterday, defeating the hosts in The Namibian Newspaper Cup netball and football finals.
The best player of the final contest and competition’s top scorer, Pius Kapwita Haingura, led his region to their second title with an impressive two-goal performance.
They last won the Standard Bank Namibia backed-competition as the full Kavango region at Tsumeb in 2014.
“To the people of Kavango West, it’s history that we’ve made today. Wait for the cup, we’re bringing it home,” said elated Kavango West assistant coach Jason Ashimbanga.
“It was difficult for us, as you know how Otjozondjupa have been playing their games but we managed to overcome them. Our tactic was just to cut their wings off, we saw that they like getting the ball to the wingers and then their striker.”
Haingura broke the deadlock on 49 minutes, following up a spilled shot to slot the ball into the back of the net.
As Otjozondjupa pushed for an equaliser, failing to convert several chances, Kavango West held firm before Haingura landed the sucker punch six minutes from time.
The lively forward chased down a long ball, outstripping two defenders, before poking the ball beyond the advancing Otjozondjupa keeper Ronaldo Mundingi.
“He’s a fantastic boy. He’s a talented boy, good on the ball and is able to take on defenders,” Mundingi said.
The match-winner said: “I feel really good right now. I think my parents are proud of me now, because whenever I told them I’m going for soccer, they told me not to and that I must concentrate on school. So, I think they are proud now and can see my talent.”
The Khomas region extended their reign as national queens with a hard-fought 34-27 netball final victory over Otjozondjupa at Paresis Sport Grounds to retain the title.
Khomas only prepared for the tournament two weeks before it started, but with the experience 50% of last year’s winning team in their ranks, they again completed the competition unbeaten.
Led by excellent goal defender and player of the match Uamburu Tjikarerera, holders Khomas led from the start, extending their advantage in the second and third before holding off a spirited effort from home team in the final quarter.
“I told the girls, we need to retain this cup and take it back home again. We knew we would get to the final. We took all our games one step at a time, we analysed our competitors and just prepared accordingly. They laid their hearts out on the court.
Otjozondjupa captain and player of the tournament Grace Matyayi said her side would return stronger when the competition is held at Gobabis next year.
“We made it to the final and lost. But our team is very good because not all the teams can make it to the final. We fought from the first quarter, then we lost focus in the second and third quarters. But we fought again in the last quarter.
“We want to thank our supporters, coaches and management. They all did a great job and we’re thankful for being here and taking the second place at our home-ground. Even though Khomas took the cup, it’s not the end of the world. We’re gonna make it to the finals in Omahake [next year] and might take the cup.”
THIRD BEST
The Omaheke netball team secured third place after defeating Kavango West 26-17 in the bronze medal match, while Oshana beat Hardap 2-1 in the football equivalent.
Dario Loss put Hardap ahead on 28 minutes with a great free-kick that he curled around the wall, but Oshana equalised two minutes later when striker Pius Markias scored from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box.
Oshana were reduced to 10 men when 14 was sent off after receiving a second yellow card with 12 minutes to go but despite being a man down, Oshana got the winner when Michael Jonas scored a great shot with two minutes to go.
“The game was very good. We tried to to contain them, we had just finished the other game (semi-final against Otjozondjupa) and did not have enough time to rest. We contained the boys and fortunately we will be taking something back to Oshana region, which is very good,” Moses Ndemuweda said.
“The boys were down when we lost to Otjozondjupa but we told the boys that they must pick up their morale and fight.”
The individual prizes are as follows:
Football: Player of the tournament Giovani Gaingob (Otjozondjupa); best goalkeeper Ronaldo Mundingi (Otjozondjupa); top scorer Pius Haingura (Kavango West).
Netball: Best shooter Grace Tuahepa (Otjozondjupa); best defender Hungu Melitha (Kavango West); best mid-court player Vikarirovandu Virere (Kunene); best player Grace Matyayi (Otjozondjupa); best umpire Aron Ipinge (Khomas).
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.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
