By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, Aug. 29 — Zambezi region exploded into celebrations when their regional team lifted the Namibia newspaper cup after beating Kavango East 2-1 in a lively final at the Oshakati stadium in Oshana region.
The Zambezi qualified for the final after beating Khomas by a 6-5 score line after penalty shootouts with Kalonda Masule saving the day for the Zambezi by scoring the winning spot-kick.
Staunch sports supporters could be seen celebrating in Katima Mulilo, in anticipation of what turned out to be a historic win for the Zambezi, while others went on social media praising the boys from the Zambezi.
Despite Khomas having the best record of all participating regions, having won the cup four times and finishing as runners-up thrice, the boys from the Zambezi sent them packing in the semi-finals.
A football supporter Martin Shamusinza could not hide his joy, saying the boys from the Zambezi have proved to the nation that football talent is not only found in the city but even in the Zambezi where the talent but it’s not recognised and utilized.
He also praised the Zambezi regional governor, Lawrence Sampofu for being there for the boys.
“The moral of the boys was high because they knew the father of the region was watching them, and they performed to the best of their ability because they knew he is there for them, that’s the spirit our leaders must embrace,” Shamusinza said.
The theme for this year’s cup is “enhancing a pristine sports environment” and the main sponsor is Standard Bank.
