Developing future superstars

The seventh edition of the Governor's Cup was hosted from 15 to 18 April.

Omaruru Constituency was awarded the best overall team at the well-organized and action-packed tournament at the Vineta sports field in Swakopmund. Erongo Governor Neville Andre hailed the event as a success, “We have found some excellent athletes who can compete at a national level,” and praised all of the teams for their perseverance and sportsmanship throughout the three-day tournament. "All the soccer, volleyball, and netball matches were played in a spirit of true sportsmanship."

This year, volleyball was added to the sporty showpiece. Karibib Constituency emerged as the champions. They defeated Arandis Constituency with 2-1 in the final, although Arandis Constituency pocketed the first set. Karibib Consituency came back with a vengeance and won the second set (25-27) and the third set with 15-11. Coach Cedric Mukupi said that his team was under pressure in the last set and made numerous errors. “At the end of the day, we were successful in obtaining the cup.” Jamie Hango, the team's captain, agreed that they had to work hard to win the last set. "We worked as a team and knew exactly what we wanted..” The winners received N$2 500, followed by the runner-ups, Arandis Constituency (N$2 000), and Omaruru Constituency in third place with N$1 500.

The Swakopmund and Omaruru constituencies went head to head in the netball final. Swakopmund set the pace and dominated throughout the match and won with a final score of 52-29. Michelle Brooks, the captain of the Swakopmund Constituency, said it was their first time participating in the Governor's Cup and that their mission was to ensure that the cup stays in Swakopmund. "We played as a unit and this ensured that we won the cup.” All of the games were regarded as "easy sailing" by the winning team captain, Sarah Awases, who also happens to be a premier league player. “I am happy that we could accomplish our goal.” The champions received N$2 500, the second place finishers, Omaruru Constituency, received N$2 000 and Karibib Constituency in the third position received N$1 500.

Walvis Bay Urban and Omaruru Constituencies locked horns in the final of the soccer competition. Walvis Bay Urban emerged victorious with a 5-2 score. Knowledge Ipinge, the coach of Walvis Bay Urban , said that their approach to each game began with the players' mentality in terms of discipline and tactical knowledge. “We have played against Omaruru before and knew what their strengths and weaknesses are. We made sure they didn't play the long ball.” Andreas Kapundja, the captain of Walvis Bay Urban, said the game was tough. “We followed the coach's advice and everything worked out for us.” The champions took home N$7 000, followed by the runners-up, Omaruru Constituency (N$5 000), and Karibib Constituency, who took home N$3 500, in third place.

Cash prizes and a trophies were given to some players for their outstanding performances throughout the competition. The volleyball players received N$200, netball players received N$500, and the soccer players received N$1 000 each. Trophies were also given to these players in various categories including best blocker, server, and spiker, top goal scorer, top goal shooter, most disciplined player and most valuable player. Arandis Constituency won N$1 000 for sporting the best designed banner at the event.

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