Eeshoke Chula Chula FC
 | |
| Founded | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Ground | Oshakati Independence Stadium |
| Capacity | 8,000 |
| Chairman | Tamhila Ambrosius |
| Manager | John Sikerete |
| League | Namibia Premiership |
| 2023–24 | 5th |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/ChulaChulaFc/ |
Eeshoke Chula Chula FC is a Namibian football club based in Eeshoke village near Oshikango in the Ohangwena Region which currently plays in the Namibia Premiership.[1]
Name
[edit]The club's name comes from a Okutyuulwa war cry “To tyuulwa keeshoke” which has been anglicized as "chulachula". The village name Eeshoke derives from a species of tall, sharp grass that is common in the area.[1]
Stadium
[edit]Eeshoke Chula Chula FC currently plays its home matches at the 8,000-seat Oshakati Independence Stadium until construction of the Eenhana Stadium in the region's capital of Eenhana is completed.[2]
History
[edit]The club formed informally as a small village team in 1995. It entered the Third Division in 1998. By 2001, the club had reached the Ohangwena Second Division. Between 2001 and 2013, the club bounced between the Second and Third Divisions. Chula Chula made a breakthrough in 2013, reaching the final of the Namibia FA Cup, ultimately falling 0–8 to Orlando Pirates. The club returned to the First Division in 2018 following an undefeated campaign in the third tier. However, financial problems and the COVID-19 pandemic caused a long absence of organized football beginning in Namibia prior to the 2019 season.[3]
Chula Chula FC were champions of the North-East First Division when organized football returned to Namibia for the 2022/2023 season, earning promotion to the Namibia Premier Football League for the first time.[4] Because of its popularity as the "people's team", the club signed a three-year sponsorship deal with PstBet worth N$1,8m per year.[5]
In September 2023, the club played its first match in the top flight, securing a 2–1 victory over Mighty Gunners at its home Oshakati Independence Stadium. The club reported to have sold 17,275 tickets at the 8,000-seat stadium, a new league attendance record.[6] The previous record of 7,000 spectators had stood since 2013.[7] The club remained undefeated over the first five matches of the season and sat in fourth place in the league table at that point. During that period, Chula Chula drew 1–1 with reigning champions African Stars in front of a crowd of 38,000.[8] The club continued to draw large crowds throughout the season.[9]
In addition to the club's solid league play that season, Chula Chula went on to win the 9th annual Dr. Hage Geingob Cup, defeating favorites African Stars at Windhoek's Independence Stadium. In the process, Chula Chula became the first club to win the competition during its first participation.[10] Fans voted for the two clubs that participated, choosing Chula Chula and African Stars after the clubs played the exciting 1–1 draw in front of a large crowd earlier that season.[11]
Recent seasons
[edit]- Key
Champion Runners-up 3rd Place
| Season | League | FA Cup | Notes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| League | Div. | Pos. | Pl. | W | D | L | P | |||
| 2023–24[12] | NPFL | I | 5th
|
30 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 46 | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b Tuerijama, John. "Chula Chula boss disappointed with postponed matches". The Namibian. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Heinrich, Max. "PstBet puts money on Chula Chula". New Era Namibia. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Kambukwe, Maurice. "Chula Chula: A journey of resilience...from village fields to top-flight football". New Era Namibia. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Kambukwe, Maurice. "Chula Chula Make History". New Era Namibia. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Angula, Victor. "Eeshoke Chula Chula gets 1.8m Sponsorship Boost from PstBet". Omutumwa. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Nembwaya, Hileni; Vatileni, Eino. "Chula Chula gets Namibian football buzzing". The Namibian. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Uugwanga, Michael. "Chula Chula attracts crowd, but for how long?". Confidente Namibia. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Hamutenya, Karrel. "Eeshoke Chula Chula is part of a plan to dominate football in Namibia - Barry Rukoro". Sports Updates. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Haikera, Annakleta. "Yet Another Packed Stadium Featuring Eeshoke Chula Chula". Eagle FM. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ "HISTORIC VICTORY FOR EESHOKE CHULA CHULA IN THE 9TH EDITION OF DR. HAGE GEINGOB CUP". Windhoek Observer. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Tuerijama, John. "Stars, Chula Chula rerun in Geingob Cup". The Namibian. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Schöggl, Hans; Stokkermans, Karel. "Namibia 2023/24". RSSSF. Retrieved 2 July 2024.