The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup was launched on Tuesday at the Sky Gardens, Nedbank Head Office, Windhoek. This year’s annual national showpiece takes place from 30 March to 1 April at Gobabis in the Omaheke region.
Speaking at the official launch and draw of the 22nd edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, NFA Vice President, Murs Markus applauded Nedbank Namibia and the Namibian Newspaper for keeping the initiative running for this long.
“The NFA is proud to be part of this noble initiative; even more so having sponsors such as Nedbank, The Namibian Newspaper, the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service and Coca Cola on board. Nedbank Namibia is no stranger to this noble Youth Under 20 Football and Netball competition.
We, therefore, believe that this competition will increase the returns on your marketing investment, especially for the intended purpose you associate your corporate brand with the NFA and the Newspaper Cup” he said.
Host region governor Pio Nganate said the Omaheke region is committed to delivering an unforgettable event.
“We can all agree that last year’s edition in Otjiwarongo was vibrant and exciting, and the Omaheke region is equally dedicated to hosting an event of that magnitude. We are urging all the parents to travel to Gobabis and support their individual teams and children competing in both the football and netball competitions.
“The Omaheke region is known as a talent hub especially for the senior national teams, over the years we have witnessed players gradually develop from this regional competition and go-on to compete at the highest level for Namibia and this year with the support of the Governor’s office rallying behind the teams, we are positive that Namibia will see more athletes from the mighty Omaheke region said the Governor.
Tangeni Amupadh, managing director at the Namibian Newspaper emphasized the importance of blending sports and health education at youth competitions.
“We need to start addressing health issues at a young age and the Nedbank Newspaper Cup will be the right platform to start doing that, with over 300 young boys and girls from all spheres of the country, the girl and boy child need to be educated on health issues, such as prostate, cervical and breast cancer”
The Football draw looks as follows: Group A – Zambezi, Oshikoto, Hardap, Khomas; Group B – Kavango East, Kavango West, Oshana, Kunene; Group C – Otjozondjupa, Ohangwena, Omusati; Group D – //Kharas, Erongo and Omaheke.
Netball draw: Group A – Ohangwena, Otjozondjupa, Kavango West, Oshana, Omusati, Kunene, //Kharas; Group B – Hardap, Khomas, Erongo, Oshikoto, Kavango East, Zambezi and Omaheke.