NSSU launches inaugural Games in Oshakati

The Namibia Schools Sports Union (NSSU) will host its inaugural Interregional Games in Oshakati from Saturday, bringing together about 350 learners and officials from five northern regions.

Participants from Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto and Kunene, which make up Zone Three under the NSSU’s new zonal structure, will compete over three days.

According to event spokesperson Vaino Shimutwikeni, competition will get underway at 08:00 on Saturday at the Oshakati Independence Stadium and Unam Sport Field, with the official opening ceremony also taking place that day.

The keynote address will be delivered by Oshakati Directorate of Education lifelong learning director Dr Gabriel Mwaninga.

The inaugural edition will serve as a pilot for the NSSU’s interregional competition programme, with football and netball being the only sports on offer.

Competition will feature boys’ U13 and U15 football, girls’ U15 football, as well as U13 and U15 netball.

Player identification

Shimutwikeni said one of the key objectives is to identify and select players for an interregional team that will represent Zone Three at national events.

The competition will also allow the NSSU to establish and maintain a database of learner-athletes and teams for future programmes.

The NSSU said the event is further aimed at strengthening competition and cooperation among schools across the five regions while giving learners an opportunity to showcase their abilities at a higher level.

Learners and officials are expected to arrive in Oshakati on Friday, 11 September, before departing on Sunday, 13 September.

Organisers have encouraged members of the public to attend and support the young athletes.

Rotational basis

The Interregional Games will be hosted on a rotational basis among the participating regions, with Ohangwena scheduled to stage next year’s edition.

The NSSU also plans to expand future editions by introducing athletics, volleyball and basketball, while catering for learners in the U13, U15 and U17 age groups.

The programme is intended to provide a more structured pathway from regional competition to interregional and national-level representation.

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