Okapya tourney gains momentum
One of the Okapya Annual Tournament organisers, Sandro Ithana, says the event is gaining momentum days before it starts.Ithana announced last month that the tournament is heading into its sixth edition and promises to be bigger and better.
The tournament will be played at the Eleven Morning Sport Field.
Ithana informed Sport Wrap yesterday that interest seems to have grown even more than in previous years. “I can tell you right now that we are gaining the numbers, proving to be another masterclass. The interest we have received this year suggests that the tournament will surpass the previous editions.
“We continue to invite people from all walks of life to come in numbers and make this event memorable,” Ithana said.
This year’s prize pool has increased to N$80 000. The competition includes youth and veteran football, and a women's football exhibition match is included for the first time.
Ondangwa Masters are the reigning champions in Veteran Soccer after defeating Northern Coaches in last year’s final. At the same time, Further Fighters from the Ohangwena Region (in the Northern East Stream 1st Division) are the current Youth Soccer champions, having defeated Sasa Boys on penalties last year.
Youth Soccer registration is N$1 300 and is open to any team. Prizes are as follows: First: N$20 000, 18 gold medals, a trophy and a soccer kit; Second: N$10 000, 18 silver medals and a soccer kit; Semi-final losers: N$2 500 each.
The two teams that advance to the final will receive their soccer kits before the match, which they will wear during the final.
Veteran football is exclusively for players aged 37 and older. Before kick-off, all participants will be required to present national identification. Registration is N$1 000, with the following prizes: First: N$10 000, 18 gold medals, a trophy and soccer kits; Second: N$6 000, 18 silver medals and a soccer kit; Semi-final losers: N$2 000 each.
The Okapya Annual Soccer Tournament’s Women’s Soccer Exhibition Match takes place on Sunday, 22 December, before the Veteran and Youth Soccer finals.
Khomas Nampol Ladies FC will play African Star Queen FC.
“We plan to add a full Women’s Soccer Tournament and additional sports codes in the next edition,” Ithana said.
Individual awards include: Each Man of the Match from the Round of 16 will receive N$200, a water bottle, Bonaqua and Sunsation juice, and a Predator Energy drink. The tournament's top goal-scorer will receive N$700. The Player of the Tournament will receive N$1 000.
This year’s tournament sponsors include Okapya Liner Transport (main sponsor), Coca-Cola, Sunsation Juice, Onamulunga Service Station, Predator Energy Drink, Energy 100 FM, Shili Ambulance, Jan Japan Motors, NamPower, Atai Investment CC, Piyet Investment CC, Bonaqua, NBC, FI Electrical & Construction, Alv Consulting Engineers, Good One Media, and Kashipu Investment CC.