Action awaits Okozonduzu tournament

**Zebaldt Ngaruka **

The wait is finally over for grassroots football fans as the annual Okozonduzu Tournament is set to kickoff at Okondjatu’s Chief Tjitjo Kauari and Okozonduzu Stadiums tomorrow in the Okakarara constituency, Otjozondjupa.

Billed as the ultimate showcase of the constituency’s rising stars, the prestigious tournament returns not just to crown a new champion, but to pay tribute to constituency councillor Uzeraije Tjaverua for his tireless efforts in championing community growth through the beautiful game.

This year, the tournament in its 15th edition will be called Honourable Uzeraije Kapika Tjaverua Cup and 16 football teams from the district and across will be participating in the N$ 45 000 worth competition.

Veneruru Mieze, one of the competition organisers, shared with New Era Sport that this year competition will only feature football as there was poor interest from the netballl teams.

In the first game tomorrow, Black Heroes will lock the horns against Otuvingo at Chief Tjitjo Kauari Stadium as early as 08h00 and this will be followed by Kaondeka United who will face Ozohindja United.

Up next will be Okatupapa’s Nxaire clashing Big Birds from Omazera while Karibib’s Wildogs will play Omuti ua Tjaveta in the last group stage match at Chief Tjitjo Kauari Stadium.

At Okozonduzu Stadium, Okanungu will play United Stars in the first encounter at 08h00, followed by Combo FC versus Okozonduzu’s Orlando FC.

The next fixture will be between Opuwo Hungry Warriors and Young Stars, whereas Okakarara Vocational Training Center will lock horns against Tate Sammy Eleven.

The second-round matches will continue at the respective venues while the final is expected to be played on Sunday.

Mieze added that the winner of Honourable Uzeraije Kapika Tjaverua Cup will take home a trophy, N$15 000 and gold medals with runners up pocketing N$7 000 cash plus 20 silver medals.

Each each semifinalist will walk away with N$4 000 cash for coming third in the competition.

Epupa Zebras Stars FC won the last edition of the competition; however it is not participating this year.

Mieze added that two Okondjatu’s otfits, Orlando based in Okozonduzu and Nxaire ya Katupapa, are expected to hold the Cup in their homeground.

“Besides strong attacking football display, these two clubs are well known for their massive homeground supporters in their area,” said Mieze. –[email protected]

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