Okapya tournament looms

The popular annual Okapya football tournament is set to come alive next weekend as some of the finest football teams from the Omusati Region battle for top honours. Organiser Sandro Ithana is adamant that the tournament will produce fireworks as teams are fired up to challenge each other. “December just wouldn't be the same without the popular Okapya Annual Football Tournament 2025, which will take place at Eleven Morning Stars Sport at Okapya, Ondangwa from December 18–21,” Ithana said. The tournament was launched with the aim of fighting crime during the holiday season, as well as to foster community development and bring young people together. The competition also gives participants a chance to show off their skills, while serving as a hunting ground for players to be drawn for teams in higher divisions. “A focus of this year's tournament is on individual awards, because the player of the tournament will receive N$3 000 and a trophy.” The amount has been increased from the previous reward of N$1 000 to the player of the tournament. The top goal-scorer of the tournament prize has been increased from N$750 to N$2 000. This year's additional awards include a best keeper award with a value of N$500, as well as the best official who will also receive a N$500 prize. The competition will feature both youth and veteran football, with all players aged 37 and above eligible to participate in the veteran group. “These guys will be asked to present their national identify documents before each match in order to ensure that there is transparency,” Ithana added. The teams willing to compete in the competition are required to pay a registration fee of N$1 500. The champion team will walk away with N$10 000 along with a trophy and 18 gold medals. The team that finishes second in the tournament will be rewarded with N$5 000, 18 silver medals, while the third-placed team will be compensated with 18 bronze medals and N$2 500. The fourth-placed team will also not return home empty-handed as N$2 500 has been reserved for them. Ithana said: “Since the Youth Soccer competition is open to all teams and has no restrictions, it drew a large number of teams from all across the nation last year. “Last year, Tse Yakuku FC won the tournament after defeating Omandindi FC in the final. “The tournament draw will take place on Wednesday 17 December at 18:00 and all of our social media channels will announce the draw's venue. “In addition to football, exhibitor stalls are available for N$600 and are allocated first come, first served.” The organiser is urging businesses to take advantage of the chance to reserve their stalls so they may produce something for Christmas and New Year's and be ready for January's return to school. “Thanks to the community support and the participation of additional cooperating businesses, our event has grown.” This year’s sponsors include Coca Cola, Atai Investment CC, Pupkewitz Goldwagen, ALV Consulting Engineers, JSN Automotive Group, Omulunga Radio, Top Score, Energy 100 FM, PMPH Constructions, Wap Pharmacare, Welton Investment CC, Bolly Logistic, FI Electrical & Construction, Predator Energy, Clean Drive Car Wash, Leca Lifestyle, Torres Pub, Empire Lounge and Kashipu Investment C.