The second edition of the N#ajaqna Conservancy Sport Tournament has come to a successful close at Rooidak Gate over the weekend, drawing young athletes from across the Conservancy to compete in both football and netball.

Out of the 26 villages that make up the N#ajaqana Conservancy, only 14 took part in the football tournament, while three villages competed in the netball division.

One of the organisers of the tournament and assistant coordinator insisted that the aim of the tournament is to empower the youth and bring members together. Alberto Kalezi, Organiser/Assistant Coordinator for N#ajaqna Conservancy, said: "This tournament was organised to empower the youth and bring members together and give them a chance to showcase their talents, come together, and give each other ideas. Only members are allowed to participate in this tournament."

He further added that the idea behind the tournament is also to build a team that will represent the Conservancy in the future and compete in other tournaments.

The event was more than a competition; it was a platform for young Conservancy members to showcase their talents.

A member of the Conservancy stated the importance of this tournament to the youth. Mathias Jesaya, a N#ajaqna Member, stressed: "It's very much important since this tournament is the only thing that brings the communities together, and it's the only benefit for the young youth, especially for soccer and netball."

In the football finals, host Rooidak Gate successfully defended their title, defeating Mangetti village 1-0 in a tightly contested match, making it twice in a row.

Makata legends secured third place. In Netball, M'akata village took first place, Rooidak Gate Queens placed second, and Rooidak Gate Primary School placed third.

The organisers also encouraged the teams to bring more netball teams next time.

The winning team's coach of Rooidak Gate, a player, and the captain of the runner-up Mangetti team gave their thoughts on the final game.

Mukuve Kudumo, the Rooidak Gate Coach, commented on their preparation: "The preparation for the guys to come together was not easy because some of us, especially like I, I stay in Grootfontein, but nevertheless, we did it."

Tuafeni Sungu, a Rooidak Gate Player, expressed his excitement: "I'm very happy to win the tournament for the second time, but I'm very excited because it's not easy for champions to defend the trophy. We were not that well prepared, especially some of us that stay in a hostel were unfit because we don't get a chance to train."

The captain of the Mangetti team said that he would advise the boys to put in more work next time. Rodia Mazolo, Captain of Mangetti, reflected: "We tried until the finals, but it's just that we were lacking some things. I think we did not get well trained, so next time we are going to try harder. So I'm just going to advise my team that we come together and we practice more so that we can do it at the next upcoming tournament."

The tournament continues to serve as a space for uniting communities, showcasing local talent, and promoting sportsmanship among the youth of the N#ajaqna Conservancy.