OSHANA, Hardap and //Karas regions will fight for the rights to host The Namibian Newspaper Cup next year, with //Karas joining Kavango East and Omaheke in expressing interest to stage the 2020 event.
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) yesterday announced the overwhelming interest shown in the youth sports development tournament, supported by Nedbank Namibia and held annually over the Easter weekend.
By the deadline of 29 June, the NFA had received applications from the Oshana, Hardap and //Karas regions for the hosting of the 2019 edition, with Kavango East, Omaheke and //Karas keen on the event for the following year.
All five regions have previously hosted the event, with Omaheke (Gobabis 2003, 2011) and //Karas (Keetmanshoop 2007, 2012) doing so twice. Oshana held the event at Oshakati in 2004, with Hardap following suit in 2005 at Mariental, while in 2015, Kavango East staged the competition at Rundu.
Of the interested parties, //Karas are the only region without an honour in the 18-year-old tournament. Holders Omaheke lead the way in that regard, having collected their fourth title in the competition at Katima Mulilo this year.
Oshana have two football titles to their name, with one each for Hardap and Kavango East, who also won the maiden netball competition this year.
The five regions are required to further submit by today definite bids which include agreements with potential host towns and regional authorities to acquire the hosting rights.
Thereafter, the relevant regional football associations will motivate their bids to the competition’s organising committee on 25 July, when the successful applicants to host the 2019 and 2020 editions will be announced.
Amongst the most pertinent requirements for the host town is a standard stadium with artificial or natural grass. The said facility should have a minimum capacity for 2 000 people, and have sufficient lighting for night games and a PA system.
Also required is “acceptable accommodation” for a delegation from each region, match officials, NFA staff, as well as The Namibian newspaper and Nedbank Namibia officials.
Adequate medical services for the duration of the tournament, catering and security are also among the conditions for hosting the event.
Bidding towns should likewise note that the NFA and The Namibian newspaper and Nedbank Namibia retain the commercial rights to the competition.
