Okapya rallies behind N$100 000 sports field project
Residents of Okapya Village in the Omusati Region are pooling resources to develop a community sports field aimed at providing local teams with a free venue for training and competition.
Organising committee member Negonya Petrus told this publication that the initiative was conceived last year to address the lack of proper sporting infrastructure in Okapya and surrounding villages.
“We aim to raise N$100 000 to develop a standard sports field. Currently, our community lacks proper sports facilities,” he said.
“We only have access to the Gwakondombolo sports field, where we have to pay N$200 per booking, with supporters not permitted [to cheer on the players].”
Petrus said the aim is to provide local teams with their own home ground while reducing the costs associated with travelling elsewhere to play.
The organising committee said community members have already contributed about N$7 000 towards the N$100 000 target.
Monthly contribution
Oshikuku Constituency councillor Petrus Nambinga has committed to contributing N$1 000 each month towards the project until construction is completed.
“I want to raise awareness that councillors have an equal opportunity to uplift their communities,” Nambinga said.
He said the project will be implemented in phases, with the first focusing on perimeter fencing, ablution facilities and goalposts to allow teams to start using the field.
“Phase one will involve erecting perimeter fencing, constructing ablution facilities and installing goalposts, enabling teams to start utilising the sports field,” he said.
Although construction has not yet started, the committee hopes work will get under way before the end of the year.
“We cannot have players in our village without assisting them. If we wait for someone else to build the sports field for us, it may never happen,” Nambinga said.
Home for local talent
Okapya is home to several active women’s and men’s football teams, as well as netball teams, but players currently lack a suitable venue to develop their skills.
Local netball player Monica Kuutondoka welcomed the initiative, saying the facility could also benefit young people and businesses in the area.
“Having this facility in our village will encourage many young people to focus on sports instead of getting involved in criminal activities. It will also create opportunities for local businesses to thrive by setting up stalls on match days,” she said.
Kuutondoka also stressed the importance of prioritising rural development to nurture talent and encourage young people to remain in their communities.
Meanwhile, the committee is fundraising to purchase mobile goalposts after its previous equipment was stolen, while also continuing to raise funds for fencing.
The community has called on stakeholders, businesses and well-wishers to contribute towards reaching the N$100 000 target.
