Okauua Rovers win Ndjiva Kauami Cup after Keita Hengari’s late strike
Okauua Rovers clinched the inaugural Ndjiva Kauami Cup after a 1-0 victory over Ovimbongoro FC at Bobby Sissing Stadium, with Keita Hengari scoring the decisive late goal. The tournament featured 16 teams from across the country and crowned champions who earned N$10,000 and 18 gold medals.
Okauua Rovers sealed the inaugural Ndjiva Kauami Cup title on Sunday at Bobby Sissing Stadium when midfielder Keita Hengari struck a last-minute goal to beat Ovimbongoro FC 1-0. The honorary competition drew 16 clubs from across the country and served as a showcase for emerging local talent and veteran players. The win handed Okauua the trophy, N$10,000 in prize money and a set of 18 gold medals. Ovimbongoro settled for the runner-up prize of N$7,000 and 18 silver medals after a tightly contested final.
Final decided by Keita Hengari’s stoppage-time finish
Okauua’s match-winner arrived deep into stoppage time, a moment that punctuated a cautious final between two sides that had already endured penalty dramas to reach the last match. Hengari collected possession in midfield, advanced into the box and finished with composure to send the Okauua bench and travelling supporters into celebration. The solitary goal reflected a tense balance of chances for both sides, with Ovimbongoro creating openings but unable to convert.
The timing of the strike left little time for a response and effectively ended Ovimbongoro’s hopes of reversing the result. Officials allowed only a brief window of play after the goal, and Okauua players protected their lead with tight defensive shape. The victory gave Okauua their first major trophy of the calendar season and a psychological boost ahead of regional competitions.
Semifinals settled on penalties after two one-all draws
The two semifinal matches were decided by shootouts after regulation time ended 1-1 on both occasions, underscoring how evenly matched the last four were. Okauua Rovers advanced past MK FC in a tense penalty contest, winning the shootout 5-3 after a one-all draw in normal time. The victory was a test of nerves for Okauua, who held their composure from the spot to earn a place in the final.
Ovimbongoro secured their final berth by edging Otjinoko FC in a dramatic penalty sequence, prevailing 6-5 after another 1-1 stalemate. Both semifinal ties required sudden-death spot kicks before referees could confirm the finalists, and the shootouts provided moments of individual drama that highlighted the tournament’s competitive edge. Otjinoko and MK FC left the stadium as beaten semifinalists but took home cash prizes and recognition for their deep runs.
Prize money and medals distributed to top finishers
Tournament organisers awarded the champions N$10,000 plus 18 gold medals, while the runners-up received N$7,000 and 18 silver medals. Both semifinalists — Otjinoko FC and MK FC — were handed N$4,000 each in consolation prize money for reaching the last four. The financial awards were presented alongside medals at the closing ceremony, providing tangible rewards for clubs that travelled to the capital to compete.
Organisers said the cash and medals were intended to support club operations, travel costs and youth development programs. Several coaches and club officials expressed appreciation for the prize structure, noting that tournament earnings help smaller sides cover expenses as they plan for upcoming regional fixtures. The distribution of prizes also reinforced the organisers’ commitment to creating a meaningful competitive platform for local teams.
Coach Fonso Tjatindi praises hunger and preparation for Omaheke Top 8
Okauua Rovers head coach Fonso Tjatindi described the victory as the result of sustained effort and commitment across the squad. Tjatindi said the players showed hunger from the outset and that supporters’ backing had been a crucial element in the team’s run to the title. He credited the squad’s mental strength for seeing them through tight moments, particularly in the semifinal penalty shootout.
The coach also framed the Ndjiva Kauami Cup as valuable preparation for the upcoming Omaheke Top 8 competition, which is scheduled to take place in Gobabis next weekend. Tjatindi said match sharpness and the experience of late-game pressure will serve the team well as they transition into the regional contest. His remarks underscored how the new cup has been positioned as both a standalone prize and a competitive warm-up for the domestic calendar.
Organiser Issy Katjipotu commits to expansion and sponsorship drive
Tournament organiser Issy Katjipotu praised the participating teams and pledged to grow the competition in future editions. Katjipotu said cooperation among clubs and the display of young talent throughout the event signaled a strong foundation for the tournament’s continuity. He committed to sourcing additional sponsorship to increase prize money and enhance the event’s profile in the coming year.
Officials also highlighted community engagement during the tournament, noting robust support from local fans and volunteers who helped stage matches across the Bobby Sissing Stadium venue. Katjipotu outlined plans to expand the tournament footprint and attract further partners, with the aim of making the Ndjiva Kauami Cup a recurring fixture that benefits grassroots development. The organiser’s statements suggested a roadmap for greater visibility and investment.
Tournament honours Ndjiva Kauami and celebrates local football heritage
Organisers named the event after Ndjiva Kauami, the legendary African Stars FC goalkeeper, as a tribute to his contribution to the region’s football history. The honorary title aimed to link the present generation of players with a celebrated figure whose career resonated during the club’s successful periods. Tournament organisers said the name was chosen to inspire young goalkeepers and field players alike.
The inaugural staging at the capital’s Bobby Sissing Stadium blended competitive matches with moments of heritage recognition, as teams and fans paid respect to the tournament’s namesake. Officials indicated that commemorative awards and local ceremonies would become a signature element of future editions. The linkage between competitive opportunity and historical tribute sets a cultural tone for the cup going forward.
The Ndjiva Kauami Cup provided a compact, competitive festival of football that delivered drama, emerging talent and tangible rewards for participating clubs. Organisers have signalled their intention to build on the event’s first edition by increasing sponsorship, expanding participation and maintaining the competition as a preparatory platform for regional tournaments. As Okauua Rovers celebrate their maiden title, attention will quickly turn to Gobabis and the Omaheke Top 8, where both champions and challengers will seek to carry momentum into the next phase of the local season.
