The organisers of the 24th edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup say it’s all systems go for the much-anticipated youth development tournament, scheduled from 3 to 6 April at Keetmanshoop in the ||Kharas region.
The tournament is expected to bring together under-20 football and netball teams from all 14 regions of Namibia, with over 1 000 players, officials and delegates set to descend on the town.
The organising committee has been at Keetmanshoop since Monday, assessing the progress of the preparations, liaising and having meetings.
The committee comprises the Namibia Football Association, Netball Namibia, Nedbank Namibia, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, and The Namibian.
The Namibian circulation manager Elrich Tilling says most of the preparations are almost done, with a few final touches outstanding.
“The two netball courts are 80% complete. Fencing around the courts is almost done; we just wanted them to move it a bit out to make space for the umpires to move freely. The painting of the court was expected to be done yesterday. The lighting of the court is perfect; they trimmed the trees so the court has lights. . . so they can play at night,” he says.
He adds that the grass in both soccer fields has been replanted, and a new water system has been installed.
“The grass is about 70% done. While this is not ideal to do just before the tournament, players will be able to play the games. The new goalposts have been fabricated and are 90% done. They just need to be fitted with nets that will be purchased this week, with the field lines set to be drawn next week,” he says.
Other improvements include the renovation of the pavilion, which is 80% done, while the VIP section has been completed.
Meanwhile, ||Kharas Football chairman Emrico Blaauw says accommodation for the teams and their delegates has been secured at Suiderlig Secondary School and JA Nel Secondary School hostels.
“For those who wish to come and witness the games from outside the region, accommodation is now fully booked in town, but accommodation surrounding Keetmanshoop are still available. I, therefore, urge people to make the bookings as soon as possible,” he says.
He says some locals will rent their homes to visitors during the tournament.
Blaauw adds that they expect between 5 000 and 6 000 fans to throng the stadiums daily during the four-day jamboree.
Meanwhile, Nedbank Namibia spokesperson Gernot de Klerk says preparations are moving well, and they are looking forward to a successful tournament that will not only benefit the players but also the entire region.
“The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup is much more than a youth sport tournament; it acts as a significant economic stimulus package for the hosting town and region. The benefits of this tournament range from infrastructure development to local procurement and local tourism,” he says.
He adds that local schools have their facilities, like hostels, renovated, while lodges get fully booked by guests who spend on food, drinks and merchandise, with local technical staff such as referees, coaches and event coordinators gaining professional experience and, in some cases, remuneration for their services during the cup.
“The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup puts the ||Kharas region and Keetmanshoop in the spotlight, showcasing the region’s ability to host major events and potentially attracting future tourism or investment. The event unites the regional community, providing a platform for local pride as the ||Kharas under-20 teams compete on home soil,” he says.
De Klerk notes that other beneficiaries include taxi drivers and shuttle services, which experience high demand as fans move between the town centre and the sport venues, while guesthouses, hotels and even private homeowners (renting out rooms) see 100% occupancy rates. He concludes by calling on residents of the ||Kharas region to come in numbers and witness the young talent on display. He also encourages the athletes to use the tournament as a springboard to cultivate lifelong friendships and to use the exposure to impress talent scouts.
Fixtures
Football:
Group A: Kavango
East, Hardap,
Omaheke and Otjozondjupa
Group B: Oshikoto,
Ohangwena,
Kavango West and
||Kharas
Group C: Khomas,
Erongo and
Oshana
Group D: Zambezi,
Kunene and
Omusati
Netball:
Group A: Zambezi,
Hardap, Omusati, Ohangwena, Erongo, Kunene
and ||Kharas
Group B: Oshikoto,
Omaheke,
Kavango East, Otjozondjupa,
Khomas, Oshana and
Kavango West.
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