Ontinda: The Ontinda Annual Xmas Cup is set to make a much-anticipated return this festive season, marking its 9th edition after a four-year sabbatical caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament will take place from 26 to 28 December 2025 at Ontinda Combined School in the Okaku Constituency of the Oshana Region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Ontinda Xmas Cup, launched in 2013 and last played in 2020, has grown into a key community sporting event aimed at strengthening community development initiatives, promoting health and wellness, and fostering sports development within rural communities, particularly among the youth. Tournament organiser Peter Mbongo said the return of the competition reflects the community’s commitment to youth development through sport.
‘This tournament is about more than football. It is about bringing the community together, keeping young people active during the festive season, and creating opportunities for talent development in rural areas,’ Mbongo said.
The competition will feature both youth and veteran football categories. SMEs will also be given an opportunity to exhibit their wares at the venue, adding an economic dimension to the sporting event. Mbongo noted that the tournament is solely sponsored by community members, who have collectively raised N.dollars 50 000, with N.dollars 25 000 allocated as prize money.
In the youth football category, winners will receive a floating trophy, 18 gold medals, and N.dollars 8 000, while runners-up and third-placed teams will receive silver and bronze medals with cash prizes. The veteran winners will walk away with a floating trophy, 18 gold medals, and N.dollars 3 000.
Several individual awards will also be presented, including the Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Player of the Tournament, Best Young Player, Most Disciplined Team, and Best Referee. A total of 16 youth teams and four veteran teams are expected to compete. Youth team registration is N.dollars 1 000, while veteran teams register for N.dollars 700. SME exhibition stalls cost N.dollars 200.