Top Score Oshiwana tourney gets N$400k boost

Top Score has increased its sponsorship of this year’s Oshiwana Tournament to N$400 000, up from the N$300 000 it invested in the multi-sport event last year.

The increased backing has supported further growth in the tournament, which was established in 2018 with 47 football teams. Last year’s edition attracted 76 football teams, 10 netball teams and nine volleyball teams.

This year’s tournament features 82 football teams, 14 women’s football teams, eight netball teams and 14 volleyball teams.

The ninth edition also marks the first time that women’s football has been included in the programme.

Speaking at the tournament’s launch on Tuesday, founder Jackson Da Silva highlighted the importance of the competition to communities in the four O regions.

He said the tournament was established nine editions ago with a clear mission to provide a platform for talent identification, community unity and the promotion of hope, discipline and opportunity.

United by shared passion

Da Silva said that vision had continued to grow with each edition.

“Sports possess an incredible ability to bring people together, transcending age, background and differences.

“Whether on the football field or volleyball court, we are united by our shared passion for the game and our desire to strengthen and connect our community,” he said.

Da Silva urged the participating teams to compete with integrity and respect.

“Give your best, showcase your talents, honour the decisions of the match officials and uphold the true spirit of fair play,” he added.

Top Score brand manager Diego Talaya said the Oshiwana Tournament was about more than football, trophies and medals.

“The tournament aims to foster community participation through sport, as it brings together people from various backgrounds, neighbourhoods and life stories to play, cheer, connect and dream together,” he said.

Talaya added that the tournament had continued to evolve, with every pass, goal and whistle representing the wider role that sport plays in bringing communities together.

Prize money

The tournament began yesterday and will run until Sunday at Oshakati Independence Stadium.

In the youth football category, the champions will receive N$15 000, a trophy, 10 gold medals and a Top Score kit.

The runners-up will receive N$10 000, silver medals and a Top Score kit, while the third and fourth-placed teams will receive N$1 500 each.

The inaugural women’s football champions will receive N$5 000, a trophy and gold medals, while the runners-up will take home N$3 500 and silver medals. The third- and fourth-placed women’s teams will receive N$1 500.

The volleyball and netball champions will each receive N$5 000, a trophy and gold medals.

The runners-up in both codes will receive N$3 500 and silver medals, while the third-placed volleyball team will earn N$2 000 and the third-placed netball team N$1 000.

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