NamRA, Juxta claim KACI corporate crowns

NamRA and Team Juxta stepped to the fore at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, where they were crowned champions of the Khevare Action Capital Investment (KACI) Corporate Tug of War and Volleyball Social Leagues on Saturday.

NamRA retained the tug of war title in only the second edition of the league, capping a flawless season in which they went unbeaten to collect the maximum 66 points from 22 matches.

As the competition’s only champions to date, NamRA received the floating trophy, gold medals and a N$5 000 cash prize.

Reflecting on their achievement, NamRA captain Risto Leo said their back-to-back triumph was “not just by luck”.

“This is a reflection of our team effort and dedication. We thank the NamRA management for sponsoring our participation and allowing us to showcase our skills,” he said.

NamRA eye more titles

Leo further revealed their ambition to remain at the top, noting that they are already preparing to dominate next season until worthy contenders emerge to challenge them for the title.

KACI also recognised teams for their conduct and spirit throughout the season. The University of Namibia (Unam) was named the Most Disciplined Team, while the Social Security Commission (SSC) received the Most Cheerful award.

The Bank of Namibia, which made its debut this season, was named Best Newcomer. August 26 emerged as runners-up with 57 points from 22 matches to claim the silver medals and a N$4 000 prize.

Having finished fourth last season, August 26 pipped NamWater to second place. NamWater ended the campaign third with 51 points to claim the bronze medals and a N$3 000 prize.

SSC, who finished third last season, had to settle for fourth place with 48 points and a N$2 000 consolation prize.

The 13th edition of the volleyball league carried a larger prize purse of N$23 500, compared with the N$14 000 awarded in tug of war.

Team Juxta claimed the floating trophy, gold medals and a N$8 000 prize after narrowly missing out on the title to August 26 last season.

Juxta had to dig deep for the championship after finishing level with NamWater on 78 points from 27 matches.

Juxta captain Jethro Kwenani was all smiles after lifting the title.

“I feel really good [about this achievement]. It was a long, tough season, but [we] pulled through. Earlier this year, we also won the DTS Volleyball for All. So this is the second social one this year. We’re very happy to have this one,” he noted.

Team Juxta eye third title

Kwenani further revealed that Team Juxta are targeting a third social volleyball title at the KACI Corporate Sports Carnival on 7 November.

Juxta clinched the league title through a superior set difference of 49, compared with NamWater’s 45.

NamWater consequently settled for the silver medals and a N$6 500 prize.

August 26 finished third after suffering three defeats, two more than each of the top two teams. They collected 72 points and rounded out the podium with bronze medals and a N$5 000 prize.

Agribank, who also finished fourth last season, retained the position with 69 points and again claimed the N$4 000 consolation prize.

KACI also presented special team awards, with Schoemans named Most Cheerful, MEIYSAC receiving Best Newcomer, Millennium named Most Improved and the Road Fund Administration (RFA) recognised as Team of the Season.

The organisers confirmed that the trophies presented to the season’s individual award winners are theirs to keep, while the league championship trophies remain floating trophies.

KACI organiser Albert Khevare welcomed the growing competitiveness among corporate teams.

“It’s amazing how people are taking sports seriously nowadays in this country, especially employees. You can tell, as far as volleyball is concerned and from a corporate perspective, the guys are preparing,” he said.

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