The seventh edition of the Okapya Annual Soccer Tournament concluded, with various teams from across the region being awarded for their efforts and overall participation.

The tournament was hosted at the Eleven Morning Star Sports Field in Ondangwa, in the Oshana Region. The Okapya Annual Sport Tournament, now in its seventh year, has steadily grown despite limited resources. It has become a force to be reckoned with, showing progress in shaping youth sport and strengthening community engagement.

The final match between Runs United and Tse Ya Kuku ended in a 1-1 draw, with Runs United clinching victory 7-6 on penalties to be crowned champions of the seventh edition. The co-founder, Peterson Kambonde, praised the success of this year's tournament and expressed optimism for the future.

"We attracted 22 teams this year. Fortunately, it did not rain as expected. We were afraid of the rain, but thank God we did not experience any rain that would have stopped our games. I must say it was very fantastic, especially for our business people, the ones who had stalls here, as they really made a profit. We had big numbers, and wow, it can only grow from here. We are very excited as organizers of the tournament" Peterson Kambonde said.

Organizers plan to streamline the tournament to include other sporting codes, which could attract more participants if the necessary logistics, funding, and community support are secured.

"For 2026, we have noted that the quality of referees has to be checked. We also have to give more money to the teams. I think that is what we need to improve on. We are urging business people around Ondangwa, Oshakati, and Ongwediva to come on board so that we can plough back into the community with more funds" Peterson Kambonde said.

"We have always thought of having netball, perhaps volleyball as well. We can only be able to help these people with the support of business people. If we get more sponsorships next year, I can guarantee you that we are going to bring netball, volleyball, as well as women's football on board" Peterson Kambonde said.

NBC Sport also caught up with the coach and chairman of the two teams that contested the final to get their thoughts on the match and the overall organization.

"I think the tournament was well organised, and time management was top. The only problem was small errors from the referees in the officiating department. We had two clear chances to score, and it almost cost us the game. But it's football - mistakes happen, and referees are also human beings. We will take it from there, and maybe they will also learn from their mistakes" Erastus Kulula said.

"We don't know if next year we will continue coming to take part in this tournament because the final game was not fair. Number one, the referee was making poor decisions, and the fourth officials were not reacting or acting. The organiser of the tournament was not 50/50; it felt like one side was being favoured. When the team you were supporting scored, you were celebrating, so I am not happy, to be honest" Junias Nangolo said.

The seventh edition of the Okapya Annual Sport Tournament concluded on a high note, promising future growth in sponsorship, participation, and community involvement.