Allegations of age cheating hits newspaper cup

In an unexpected turn of events, the ongoing Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup has been marred by allegations of age cheating.

A reliable source, who opted for anonymity said the host region, Omaheke, fielded a player well known by those who levelled allegations of ineligibility of the said player.

They alleged that the host region fielded the player in question with a different name.

The newspaper cup has in the past seen regions disgualified from the competition because of age cheating.

Age cheating is a serious concern and the Namibian Football Association (NFA) has been vocal and strictly enforced rules that will deter age cheating.

According to rumours there are two other regions said to have fielded over-age players.

NFA executive member Michael Sithude confirmed the allegations, adding that the association is investigating them.

He said that should the allegations be substantive and a culprit is found guilty of breaching the tournament’s rules and regulations, the region could be dismissed or have points deducted.

Meanwhile, the semi-final football matches that normally take place in the early hours of the third day of the competition, will now kick off at noon.

It is not known whether the fixture change is due to the ongoing investigation, while the semi-final match-ups have also not been confirmed.

Regions in the semi-final stage are Omaheke, Omusati, Kavango East and Oshikoto.

Before the semi-final, a Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup select side will play the visiting German side, Westfalia, at 10h00.

Netball action will resume at 08h00.