Raw talent showcased at regional showpiece

Football, Netball
The ||Kharas Governors Cup showcased raw talent and produced plenty of action, with goals galore.
Otis Daniels
  • 3 Hours Ago

Another exciting edition of the ||Kharas Governor’s Cup concluded on Sunday, with Keetmanshoop Urban winning the netball competition and Oranjemund taking the football title at the J. Stephanus Stadium in Keetmanshoop.

The tournament featured 30 action-packed netball and football matches, including both finals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ||Kharas Region governor Dawid Gertze encouraged fair play and sportsmanship among players.

“Do not play the man but the ball. Sportsmanship is key and should be maintained throughout the tournament. Let sports win, and let us work towards a regional team that will carry the joy and interest of the ||Kharas Region to make us all proud,” said Gertze.

Netball champions

In the netball tournament, Keetmanshoop Urban defeated Oranjemund 27-7 in the final to claim N$2 000, a floating trophy, and gold medals. Oranjemund received N$1 000 and silver medals.

Oranjemund reached the final after a nail-biting 22-21 victory over Karasburg East, while Keetmanshoop Urban progressed with a dominant 24-5 win over Berseba East.

Reflecting on the tournament, Netball regional technical director Poppie Sekwate said the event served as a scouting platform for potential talent.

“We have identified 20 players. Trials will be held to select a regional team to represent us at competitions such as the Newspaper Cup,” she said.

Sekwate added that there is still work to be done to improve netball in the region.

“Netball is still at an average level. We need umpiring, coaching and technical clinics to level the playing field,” she said.

Football champions

In the football tournament, Oranjemund defeated Keetmanshoop Urban 1-0 to claim N$4 000, a floating trophy, and gold medals, while Keetmanshoop Urban took home N$2 000 and silver medals.

Joandre “Prince” Motinga scored the winning goal in the dying minutes of the final. Oranjemund advanced after beating !Nami#Nus 2-0, while Keetmanshoop secured their final spot with a 2-1 victory over Karasburg East.

||Kharas football regional chairperson Emrico Blaauw described the tournament as showcasing “top-class football with loads of raw talent on display.”

“We will announce a ||Kharas regional team with technical members this Friday at the governor’s office,” said Blaauw.

Catering to players born in 2007, 2008 and 2009, the ||Kharas Governor’s Cup aims to promote youth development through sport and has become a trademark event in the region.

Both the football and netball tournaments featured eight teams from Berseba East, Berseba West, Karasburg East, Karasburg West, Keetmanshoop Urban, Keetmanshoop Rural, Oranjemund and !Nami#Nus, divided into two groups.
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