Oshana U/13 boys crowned national champs

OSHAKATI – Oshana Region’s Under-13 (U/13) boys’ football team has emerged victorious at the Namibia School Sport Union (NSSU) National U/13 Championship, bringing home the gold trophy and 15 gold medals.

The championship took place in Okahandja on Saturday, bringing together young footballers from different regions across the country.

The Oshana team, made up of learners from various schools in the region, put up an impressive performance throughout the competition to secure first position. Oshana started its campaign with a 1-1 draw against //Kharas before defeating Oshikoto 2-1. The team subsequently drew 1-1 with Erongo, but secured a 2-0 victory in the penalty shootout.

In the final, Oshana faced Khomas, with the match ending 1-1 before the northern side again proved superior in the penalty shootout, winning 2-0 to lift the championship trophy.

Speaking to New Era, Moses “Moo” Wilhem, the NSSU Oshana Regional Convener for Soccer, said the achievement was particularly significant as it was the first time Oshana’s U/13 team had won a major national competition. Wilhem said the team had only one week to prepare for the championship because of logistical challenges, with training sessions held at Independence Stadium.

“One of the major challenges we faced was transporting learners from different schools across the region to attend daily training sessions,” he said.

He added that the team also faced a shortage of sporting equipment, including cones, footballs and small goalposts, as well as proper training and travelling kits. Despite these challenges, Wilhem said the young players demonstrated determination and teamwork throughout the tournament.

He said the championship provided valuable exposure for the learners, many of whom were participating in their first major national competition. “The achievement means a lot to this small group of players, especially because it was their first major competition. The exposure they received will also help them develop their football skills,” he said. Wilhem said the Oshana NSSU made efforts to provide the players with fruits and snacks during training and travelling, despite the absence of sponsors. He appealed to companies, organisations and individuals to support the young players through sponsorship of playing kits, training equipment and travelling outfits. Wilhem said the regional association aims to strengthen grassroots sports development by identifying and nurturing young talent, providing regular training and creating more competitive opportunities for young athletes.

“Our future plans are to strengthen grassroots sports development, identify and nurture young talent, and develop disciplined and successful sportspeople who can represent our region and country,” he said. He further emphasised the importance of sports at primary school level, saying they promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, confidence and leadership among learners.

“Sports also help identify and nurture young talent while encouraging learners to adopt healthy lifestyles,” he said. Wilhem said continued support from the private sector and individuals would be important in ensuring that young footballers receive the necessary resources and opportunities to develop their potential. The team on Wednesday presented its trophy to Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge at his office in Oshakati, who congratulated the young players on their achievement. Iipinge pledged to buy new sports kits for the team, saying the gesture would motivate the boys to continue working hard and improving their performance. He urged the players to remain disciplined and take their education seriously, emphasising that academic development should go hand in hand with sporting talent. “As the regional head, I am very proud of you. This is the first time I have received a trophy from a soccer team within my region,” he said.

As part of the celebrations, Iipinge also donated two goats to the team for a braai in honour of their national championship victory.

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