Epukiro – The much-anticipated annual Epukiro Football and Netball tournament is set to commence this Saturday at the Okovimburu sports fields. Renowned as a key festive event in rural Otjozondjupa and Omaheke, the tournament is a highlight for sports enthusiasts in the region.
According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Ngatuuane Hange, the event's marketing manager, shared with the Namibian Press Agency (Nampa) on Thursday that the tournament, established in 1985, has been instrumental in developing sports talent in the Epukiro district and across Namibia. It is slated to conclude on December 17th.
Hange emphasized the tournament's role in nurturing sports at the grassroots level, contributing significantly to the regional and national sports scenes. The tournament is known for producing a high percentage of players who advance to the regional leagues and the Namibia Premier League. This year's event has attracted 35 netball and 55 football teams, reflecting its growing prominence in the holiday sports calendar.
The tournament will distribute a total of N.dollars 60,000 in prizes, with N.dollars 40,000 allocated for football and N.dollars 20,000 for netball. Participation fees are set at N.dollars 2,000 per team. The netball category winners will receive N.dollars 10,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will get N.dollars 5,000. The football champions will be awarded N.dollars 20,000 and a trophy, with the runners-up receiving N.dollars 10,000.
Last year, the Otjijere Football Club and the Easter Swallows netball team triumphed in their respective divisions.