LEADING South African musician Cassper Nyovest is among the attractions at next month’s Harders Cup, with the organisers anticipating a sizzling third edition.
The Harders Cup, which takes place on 30 and 31 March at the Lüderitz Soccer Stadium, has grown rapidly to become arguably one of the most exciting events in the country in only two years.
This year, eight teams will compete for the grand prize of N$100 000. Seven of the teams hail from host town Lüderitz, namely Atlanta Bucs FC, Youngsters FC, Rush Ups FC, Diamond City FC, Men United FC, Novanam FC and Atlantic City FC. The eighth participant is Aus United FC from neighbouring Aus.
The losing finalist is guaranteed N$50 000, and third place gets N$20 000. The top goal scorer will walk away with a cool N$10 000.
Executive chairperson and event founder Tim Ekandjo, a Lüderitz native, expressed delight with the Harders Cup’s continued progress.
“This event has turned out to be an incredibly successful event. This town and region has a rich history of producing great footballers, and this tournament celebrates their legacies. We must, therefore, guard and preserve this event because it is ours,” Ekandjo said during the launch.
“In 2017, we recorded a budget shortfall of over N$350 000, in 2018 a deficit of N$290 000. I am happy to report that both shortfalls have been cleared by making alternative plans without having to ask sponsors for more money, and as of today, all prize monies are up to date, and we do not owe any team any money, which is commendable,” he added.
“We are accountable to our sponsors and provide them with post-mortem reports after every event, detailing how every cent was spent.”
One of the highlights of the launch was the unveiling of a brand-new trophy.
“After only two years, we needed to keep things fresh and exciting, and we are honoured to introduce a better-looking and better-quality trophy. Let us see who will lift it for the first time,” said Ekandjo.
Also speaking at the launch was Lüderitz mayor Hilaria Mukapuli, who hailed the event for the entertainment and commercial value it brings to the people of Lüderitz and the wider //Kharas region.
“This has become one of the most exciting events on our social calendar, and gives our young people an opportunity to showcase their talents,” Mukapuli said.
She lambasted detractors spreading rumours to destroy the integrity of the event, saying they were dishonest and ungrateful, considering the sacrifices that are made to make “such a beautiful event” happen every year.
Excitement was the order of the day when the acts for the 2019 Harders Cup Music Bash were announced. For a town that hardly gets to see any top Namibian artists, the line-up is impressive as it includes the likes of Top Cherie, Lioness, Mr Green, KP Illest, Tate Buti, Oteya, Gazza and Nyovest.
This year’s event will be delivered at a total budget of N$1,3 million. The 2019 Harders Cup is made possible with the sponsorship of Standard Bank, Seaflower, Telecom Namibia, Tafel Lager, Debmarine Namibia, CSS Tactical Security, Profile Investments, John Endjala Investments, the Namibia Sports Commission, Erongo Marine Enterprises, Coca Cola, Namcor, Naftal Trading, Metropolitan/Swabou, Namport and the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company.
Entrance to the 2019 Harders Cup is free and security will be tight, the organisers said.
The draw: Atlanta Bucs FC v Diamond City FC; Novanam FC v Men United FC; Youngsters FC v Atlantic Stars FC; and Rush Ups FC v Aus United FC.
