'Four O' teams hail Spur for tournament 0 Football teams and supporters from Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Ohangwena reacted positively to Silver Wolf Spur Super Cup tournament, but they were unhappy with the state of the stadium.Spur sponsored a N$50 000 tournament compulsory to all 12 Oshana second-division teams, the top three teams from the Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Omusati second divisions and three of the North-West First Division teams based in Oshana.
The knockout tournament started on 1 October at Oshakati’s Independence Stadium, and the supporter turnout was satisfactory.
“Every team wanted to participate in this tournament because it is a cross-regional tournament which is enhancing football skills development.
“Teams are using the tournament as preseason games to prepare their players for their respective leagues in their divisions, while supporters are flocking to the stadium to watch how their teams compete with teams from other regions,” said the Oshana NFA coordinator, Sam Nekwaya.
Nekwaya said the only complaints they received were about the venue.
“About the stadium, it is a nightmare for us. We do not know who is responsible for maintaining the stadium, whether it is the Oshakati town council, works and transport ministry or ministry of youth and sport. Teams are complaining that the field is not conducive to quality football, which is true.”
The stadium is currently used to host political events only. Oshana second-division matches take place at the Valombola Vocational Training Centre while first-division and premier league matches take place at Embandu Stadium on the outskirts of Oshakati.
The tournament is expected to end this weekend, but according to Nekwaya they have received a letter from NFA informing them that there will be first-division promotional playoffs next weekend.
“We are not sure yet if the playoffs will take place, because NFA did not give the venue, but if it is likely that we will postpone the tournament and continue after the playoffs,” Nekawaya said.
All tournament costs, including transport, accommodation, food, stadium rental fees and referees’ fees are covered by Silver Wolf Spur.
The restaurant’s marketing manager, Deon Britz, said the initiative of sponsoring football was suggested by one of their staff members who plays football, and it was supported by the management.
“We only have one request and that is the players have fun to the fullest. It is about the community,” Britz said.
The prize money for the tournament is N$20 000, of which the first prize is N$10 000, second prize is N$5 000, third prize N$3 000 and fourth prize N$2 000.
ILENI NANDJATO/KENYA KAMBOWE