Ohangwena hosts Governor’s Cup

Ohangwena regional governor Walde Ndevashiya, in partnership with PstBet, launched the Governor’s Cup on Friday at Eenhana Sports Stadium.

The tournament, which concluded on Sunday evening, attracted close to 900 youth from the 12 constituencies in the region.

Youth and ports minister, Agnes Tjongarero, who launched the tournament, said the initiative is aimed at nurturing the skills of athletes as well as developing sporting talents while keeping young people from engaging in bad behaviours.

Tjongarero said the Cup is being hosted at an exciting time where the sports fraternity has proven that it isn’t just a hobby but a sector that feeds families and brings people together.



Sports development

She said Covid-19 has held people hostage for the past two years, but it is such occasions that remind them that through tough times they prevailed as a sporting sector.

"This is an initiative that will assist with grassroots development in the region. It is therefore pleasing to see that Ohangwena has brought the Governor’s Cup as we make noteworthy strides in creating a platform for grassroots development," she said.

"Allow me to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the coordinators for organising an event of this magnitude that’s inclusive of all, ensuring that we strive to level the playing field for all to participate," she told Ndevashiya.



Spot and support talent

The minister said she has also taken note of the clear aim of the Governor’s Cup, which is to unearth raw talent in the region.

Tjongarero said it is every governor’s dream for his or her region to prevail with victories at the U/20 youth games. She told the participants to give the games their best shot, as this is a chance for them to be scouted for the upcoming regional, national and international games, especially the Namibian Newspaper Cup and the National Youth Games.

Ndevashiya said it is encouraging to see an overwhelming expression of interest by the youth from all 12 constituencies of the region in participating in the event.

"It is indeed a challenge to us in the leadership to take our youth interests seriously, and sports have once again proven to be the best avenue to unite you all. Our region is a host to local sporting talents in diversity, which, if summoned and properly harnessed into coordinated efforts, can make us a force to reckon with.”

He added that “the minimally coordinated sporting activities in the region have been a source of stagnation in the promotion and development of sports, coupled with a lack of resources," he said.



Listen to the youth

Ndevashiya said his office saw it fit to test the waters in response to a pressing demand by the region's residents, particularly the youth, therefore initiating the event.

He appealed to the business community to join PstBet by investing in sports development.

PstBet sponsored an amount of N$210 000 over a period of three years, of which N$70 000 will be provided to host the Governor’s Cup each year.

However, Ndevashiya said this alone is not sufficient to pull off a tournament.

The current tournament would have cost more than N$300 000, he said.

However, they did not manage to raise the amount and proceeded with what was available.