Erongo end 14-year trophy drought

The Erongo region ended their 14-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup 2026, claiming their second title in history after defeating defending champions Kunene 2–1 at Westdene Stadium at Keetmanshoop.

The final was an intense encounter, with both teams creating chances, but the goalkeepers were in top form, pulling off brilliant saves to keep the score level. Kunene eventually broke the deadlock from the penalty spot, with Michael Nghifikepunye converting after Christiano Useb was fouled by Erongo goalkeeper Leo Scholtz, giving Kunene a 1–0 lead at half-time.

The second half started with the same intensity, and Erongo finally found the equaliser through centre-back Shahid Naoebeb, as the match ended 1–1 in regulation time.

In extra time, Erongo continued to apply pressure, and Naoebeb once again found the net to secure victory. The win was made even more special as it came on the same soil where they last lifted the trophy in 2012, defeating Oshana 2–0.

In the third-place playoff, host region ||Kharas claimed the bronze medal with a 3–1 victory over the most successful region, Omaheke, who have four titles. Herman Shimwetheleni was the standout performer, scoring a brace, while Johan Kooper added another goal on his birthday. Favour Katuuo scored the consolation goal for Omaheke.

||Kharas had lost 4-3 on penalties to Kunene after a goalless draw in the semi-finals, while Omaheke narrowly lost 1-0 to Erongo.

Erongo centre-back Naoebeb was named player of the tournament and also won man of the match in the final. Kunene’s Mcheni Kavendji retained his best goalkeeper award, having also won it last year when Kunene lifted the trophy. The golden boot award went to ||Kharas left-back Kandingua Tuundjakuje, who scored four goals.

At the award ceremony, Erongo head coach Fransiskus Evenson said it was a stressful campaign but he expressed delight at winning.

“It was a tough and stressful game, but we realised our vision from the start of the competition and kept going,” he said.

It was also announced that Evenson will officially become the Namibia under-20 national team assistant coach.

Naoebeb says the match was intense.

“The game was very intense and tough, but we fought until the end. The boys were down after we conceded the penalty, but I told them it’s 90 minutes and we can still win this – and we eventually did. I’m just happy I was able to score both goals to help my team win.”

Deputy minister of sport Dino Ballotti, together with the organising committee, has thanked the Keetmanshoop municipality for hosting a successful tournament. He also calls for more sport codes to be included in future editions, as the competition currently only features football and netball.

“Next year, I would love to see women’s football, boxing and volleyball included in the competition,” he says.

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