Lylie Happiness
Ondangwa, 24 July. In a highly anticipated final showdown of the 2023 Oshana Football Third Division League West (OFTDLW) season, champions Okau Football Club secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw in a nail-biting final league match against Oshuulo FC. The Matshetshe boys came into their final match already as confirmed champions from the weekend before with a 1-0 win against Oshakati based We Academy football Club.
The atmosphere at the Severin Gabriel Kambonde Ashivudhi stadium in Okamwandi on Saturday, 22 July 2023, was electric, with supporters from all 18 teams in the league uniting in their excitement and passion for the game.
For Okau FC, clinching the league title is a dream come true, as this was their debut participation in a competitive league. However, in a tight 0-0 draw, it was Okau Football Club, hailing from the vibrant Okau-Kamasheshe village, who showcased their mettle and earned their spot as the victors. Okau FC finished the league on 62 points from 34 games with Omusimboti Chiefs FC as runners up with 60 points and Ongwediva based Teenagers FC scooping the hard-fought third position with 57 points just on goal difference. As winners of the social league, Okau FC won the floating trophy, gold medals and N$10,000 as part of the RUNS Group N$50,000 sponsorship to the league. All 18 teams received prize money with the bottom team Alnur XI taking home N$1100.
Having already secured their position as winners of the Oshana Social League western stream, Okau FC entered their 34th match with a sense of accomplishment. As champions of the social league, Okau FC now eagerly anticipates the promotion playoffs, where they will face off against the winner of the eastern social league well known as Omaalala league and teams currently in the relegation zone of the Oshana Regional Football League.
The journey to the Third Division League West title was grueling, but Okau FC’s tenacity and skill on the field proved to be the decisive factor. Now, the club is gearing up to face even greater challenges in the promotion playoffs, where their determination will be put to the ultimate test. Speaking at the closing ceremony, the chairperson of Okau FC Mr Sensikus Ingo emphasized that various strategies were used by coaching staff to ensure the team emerged as champions.
As the community celebrates Okau FC’s success, their supporters are rallying behind the team, filling the air with chants of encouragement and unwavering support. The players and coaching staff are relishing this moment of triumph, knowing that the road ahead holds the promise of new opportunities and greater heights.
For Oshuulo FC, though the match resulted in a draw, their display of sportsmanship and determination has not gone unnoticed. Their valiant efforts and all other participants in the league throughout the season have left a lasting impression, and they can hold their heads high as they continue to build upon their achievements. The Vice chairperson of the OFTDLW Mr Indileni Set-Sem Iipinge thanked the sponsors for the league, RUNS Grouo as well as the teams for their participation in what is termed by many as the People’s League.
As the 2023 Oshana Football Third Division League West concludes, Okau FC stands tall as the deserving champions, ready to seize the upcoming promotion playoffs with the same vigor and enthusiasm that brought them to victory in this intense showdown.- Namibia Daily News
