Okonjima Dragons win Africa Cup

Okonjima Dragons win Africa CupChampions defend their title The Okonjima Dragons defended their Inline Hockey Africa Cup title over the weekend. The Okonjima Dragons defeated the Namibia senior men's side 6-2 to win the 2019 Inline Hockey Africa Cup at The Dome in Swakopmund over the weekend.

The Okonjima Dragons, who defended the cup they won last year, overturned a 0-2 deficit to lead 3-2 at halftime. They went on to score three more goals in the second half against a tiring Namibian side.

Namibia defeated Hockey Shop Forster 6-2 in their semi-final to reach their third consecutive final. In their quarter-final they beat Rhinos 5-1.

Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administrator Fred Mwiya told all the players representing Namibia to do so with pride, when he handed over their national colours at the opening ceremony of the event.

“Team Namibia, you are going to receive one of the greatest recognitions in this country. For you to receive national colours, it is an award and an accolade that is given only to athletes that have performed beyond reasonable doubt; athletes that have shown great commitment to their sport and athletes who are able to represent their country with pride. It is the greatest accolade that an athlete can get in this country,” said Mwiya.

The Okonjima Dragons reached the final after beating the Namibia junior men's side 121 in their semi-final. In their quarter-final match, Okonjima Dragons hammered Taleni Africa Daredevils 15-2.

The event saw a first-ever 'All Star' game between Team Africa and Team World. The game was tied at 5-5 after normal time, however after penalties, Team World emerged victorious by 6-5.

Team Africa consisted of the best players from Africa - mostly from the Namibian and South African national players - while Team World were made up of international players from around the world.

The third edition of the Inline Hockey Africa Cup saw some of the world's most prominent inline hockey players in action. Players from Germany, Canada, Brazil, India, Spain, France, Australia, South Africa, Taiwan and Namibia competed in the professional and under-14 divisions.

Adolf Kaure