I Believe Swakop dominates //Goa!Hoab festivalThe I Believe Swakop club showed dominance when two of their sides won their categories at the //Goa!Hoab festival, which was held at Mariental from 26 to 28 August.
The annual event caters for football players over 40 years but this year saw an additional category for footballers over 50. The netball, meanwhile, stuck to one category with the over-40 players represented.
A total of 37 football teams and 19 netball sides made their way to Mariental to compete in the popular tournament.
Teams came from Rehoboth, Windhoek, Oranjemund, Keetmanshoop, Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Hoachanas, Gobabis, Karibib, Stampriet, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The event was held at Gobabis last year and at Omaruru the year before that. According to reports, this year’s edition was a success and offered fun for all involved.
I Believe Swakop won the first edition of the 50+ football event, walking away with N$5 000 after beating Windhoek //Goa!Hoab, who had to settle for N$3 000 as prize money.
The Swakopmund side also claimed the netball tournament to take home N$10 000. Their final opponents, Walvis Bay, took home N$7 000 while Graniet Swakop and Windhoek //Goa!Hoab each received N$2 500 for reaching the semi-finals.
In the 40+ football tournament it was Tura All Stars who came out victorious after beating Keetmanshoop Old Crocks in the final.
All Stars claimed N$20 000, while the runners-up received N$10 000.
The tournament also gave prize money to the losing semi-finalists, who each received N$5 000, while the losing quarter-finalists got N$2 500 each.
A number of individuals made sure the event took place, with the minister of education, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, Hardap Governor Esme Isaak, the Mariental sport officers and John Ramakhutla of Rama Trading mentioned as some of the contributors.
I Believe Swakop coach Ignanda Hoeses said their group received additional sponsorships from Premier Construction, Eagle Garage, Minimarket and Ekandjo Bottle Store to make their trip possible.
“We will be eternally grateful to them and everyone who came out to our celebrations march last weekend,” she said regarding a parade that started at Heroes Bar and went through Independence Street before concluding at the Mondesa Sport Field.
SPORT REPORTER