The annual football and netball open competition in commemoration of the late Khomas NamPol, Epukiro All Stars, and Renamo Bucks netball player, Popinaa Unockie Kasume, will take place at Windhoek’s Khomasdal Stadium and Eros Rugby Stadium this weekend.

The annual competition is held in remembrance of the late netball star, who competed at both local and regional levels for over a decade.

Ngatuane Hange, the tournament’s organiser, confirmed the event on Wednesday, stating that it serves as an agonising reminder of the late Kasume’s long-lasting effect, whose passion for youth participation via sporting activities continues to inspire the current generation.

‘The competition began last year in memory of Kasume, who passed away in 2022. We host this yearly hosting event to recognise her great commitment to grassroots sports growth, as well as her efforts to build and promote other emerging stars by introducing them to the professional netball setup,’ Hange remarked.

Hange said the first edition’s success d
emonstrated sports’ unifying force and ability to bring disparate groups together, since the competition has previously brought together more than 40 teams from throughout the country.

The total sum allocated for the tournament is N.dollars 60 000, with N.dollars 40 000 going to the football category and the remaining N.dollars 20 000 being split among the four netball finalists. The registration fee for all categories is N.dollars 1 900.

Hange said 33 football and 27 netball teams will compete in the tournament.

The netball champions will walk away with N.dollars 10 000 plus a trophy, the runner-up will earn N.dollars 5 000, and the semi-final losers will each receive N.dollars 2 500.

The victorious team in the football category will get N.dollars 20 000 and a trophy, the runner-up will get N.dollars 10 000, and the semi-final losers will each get N.dollars 5 000.

Last year’s competition was won by Oshakati-based MPSH Football Club in the football category, while Renamo Bucks from Epukiro took the netba
ll title

Source: The Namibia News Agency