Windhoek: Otjinene-based Okauua Rovers FC on Sunday won the fourth edition of the Omaheke Top 20's football competition held at Windhoek's Independence Stadium. The competition, which featured 20 football teams from Otjinene, Epukiro, Otjombinde, and Aminuis, is an initiative of the Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation (NRSDF).
According to Namibia Press Agency, en route to the final, Okauua Rovers overcame their Otjinene counterpart Okaoveni 3-2 in the first semifinal, while Otjombinde's Okoutjove FC stunned Renamo Bucks from Okombomi by a solitary goal to book their place in the final. Okauua Rovers then won the Omaheke Top 20 competition after defeating Okoutjove village by a goal to nil and were crowned champions. The goal was scored by Himee Tjoroze in the last minute of the highly contested final.
The champions, Okauua Rovers, took home a trophy, N.dollars 13,000, and 20 gold medals, whereas Okoutjove pocketed N.dollars 7,000 cash plus 20 silver medals. Semi-finalists Renambo Bucks and Okaoveni village each walked away with a cash amount of N.dollars 3,500.
Speaking to Nampa after the victory, Rovers's head coach Fonso Tjatindi expressed excitement about his team's victory, saying it was a hard-fought win. "I am very happy as we sealed our victory against a strong opponent featuring Premier League players such as Branco Rukoro and Rikambura Muundjua. This was really a good experience for the boys," said Tjatindi.
He said his team comprised young players and obeyed the instructions carefully and gave it all in the field. "We planned well, our tactics worked, and the boys played tik tak football which advantaged them against the experienced Okoutjove team," he added.
Tjatindi said the victory is a preparation for upcoming tournaments under the NRSDF, adding that he will keep his players together. "We are approaching festive season tournaments and we don't want to miss any upcoming competition. The boys showed hunger for success, and I am very proud of their work rate in the field. We thank our supporters for rallying behind us as well," said the head coach.