Preparations for the Skorpion Zinc U/17 Cup are underway in Ohangwena region, where they are said to be ready to turn tables and take the tournament by storm from 08 to 10 September in Windhoek. The Skorpion Zinc Updates has been confirmed for at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and the NFA Technical Centre and Ohangwena Region’s under 17 coach Kanyehu Lennox said they have selected a team of 25 players that it is yet to be trimmed down. To ready the boys for the tournament, the Ohangwena and Oshana region will be hosting a two day tournament at the independence stadium in Oshakati, starting the 30-31 of August, where regions such as Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Oshana are expected to battle it out, so as to expose the boys to something similar to the actual tournament, and get their mental and physical fitness in shape. Kanyehu said although football wise, Ohangwena has not been the best during the previous years, they were well on the way of improving but the absence of the Skorpion Zinc cup last year, put them aback. “If players going back next year can play more games after this Skorpion Zinc cup, Ohangwena region can really improve and perform extra ordinarily in other competitions to come”. Kanyehu said. Kanyehu recognises the threat posed by other regions, but is confident his region will see them through, to emerge victorious. He has been the team’s coach since the cup’s inauguration in 2013, but left for two years, only to return again this year. Ohangwena is part of group B, where they will play against Oshikoto, Kavango East, Khomas and Erongo region. Winners for each group spontaneously qualify for the semi-finals, whereas the runner ups of group A and B will face each other, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals. “Our region has no youth league, and this disadvantages our players because they are not exposed to high competitions”. He nevertheless remains optimistic about winning the cup and putting Ohangwena on the map. “The boys and I are looking forward to the competition and with the current situation in our country regarding sports, I can only hope for great things for youth football in our country” Kanyehu concludes.