Kavango East gunning for Skorpion Zinc Cup

Kavango East has selected the best players to represent the region at the 8 to 10 September Skorpion Zinc under-17 championship in Windhoek.

The manager of Kavango East's under-17 team, Alfeus Shipanga, says they have upped their game and are working towards taking the cup home. In preparation, they have played friendly games with teams such as Kalimba Academy, whom they beat 1-0 after a goal from Hoeseb Khomtatite.

Due to exams, the teams will only be holding friendlies over weekends and are looking forward to taking on bigger teams such as Rundu Chiefs and Julinho Sporting F.C.

Shipanga says even though he has confidence in the competency of his team, he accepts that Group B opponents Khomas and Erongo pose a threat to his region, mainly due to experience and exposure.

“Khomas and Erongo have under-17 leagues, which our region unfortunately does not have. This is a great challenge, but we are preparing and will be ready for them,” Shipanga said.

Khomas were the inaugural winners of the cup in 2013, after beating Erongo 2-1 in the final. This makes both teams forces to be reckoned with.

Players to look out for in the Kavango East team are Khomtatite Hoeseb, Johannes Shamwaka and goalkeeper John Muronga, who can be expected to perform well.

“We are ready to come compete and conquer. We want to take the cup back home,” Shipanga says.

Kavango East are in Group B, where they will be facing Ohangwena, Khomas, Oshikoto and Erongo. The Group B winner will face the best runner-up from Group A. In Group C, Hardap, Oshana, Kavango West and Hardap will battle for a semi-final date with the Group A winners. Omusati, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Kunene and Karas are in Group A.

NFA