Countdown to Newspaper Cup

THERE are only two days to go before the biggest regional football competition in Namibia hits the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek with what could possibly be the biggest bang in the nine years of its existence.

As usual, The Namibian Newspaper Cup is held over the Easter weekend, starting on Friday and ending on Monday with a host of matches that are set to keep the spectators thrilled until the final match.Over the four days, there will be nothing but skill, talent and fantastic football on display from players from around the country.Each year, under-20 players look forward to this event and this time, the competition will strictly cater for them, unlike in the past, when guest players were invited.The Namibia Football Association (NFA) promises that all the regions will be represented again this time, while there will also be exhibition matches.At this stage, most regions have selected their final teams and are now making the final preparations before coming to Windhoek on Thursday.At least 300 players will be in action and will go full out to show their abundance of skills to the many national team selectors and club scouts who will keep a close eye on their performance.Most of the players currently play in the lower leagues and in regional youth leagues and will aim to hit the big time next season, that is if they can produce good quality and consistent football over the four days.The exhibition matches will include the Brave Warriors against The Namibian Shadow Team and will be played on Sunday.This match is to give a further incentive to the spectators to see their heroes in the Brave Warriors side coming up against the best youngsters from the regions.Another added bonus will be a match that will feature women players.This time, Okahandja Beauties, the dominant force in the league, meet Rehoboth Queens to entertain the spectators.SUPA STRIKASSupa Strikas is the biggest attraction for the young ones and its cartoonists will once again make an appearance at the event.The cartoonists are Bonisa Bonani, Pete Woodhouse and Chris Fatman and they will have a bag full of goodies for the children who win the drawing and painting competitions that will be offered.To Supa Strikas comic book is freely distributed in The Namibian each month and features Shakes Shikongo, his team (Supa Strikas) and goes through the trials and tribulations of the players and the team’s management in their league. corry@namibian.com.na