Hardap boys off to World Cup

WINDHOEK – Namibia’s representatives at the under-12 Danone Nations Cup departed for France yesterday.

The 14 boys from the Hardap Region won the ticket to represent the country when they beat the Omaheke Region in the final of the national competition on May 26 in Windhoek. The under-12 World Cup will be contested by 40 nations from this Sunday until July 3 in Paris.The group paid a courtesy call on the Sport Ministry where they were received by the Director of Sport, Vetumbuavi Veii.Veii reminded them that their future is in their hands and advised them to learn as they mix with other cultures, to enjoy themselves but most of all to respect the rules of the competition.Namibia Football Association (NFA) acting secretary general Barry Rukoro, who will accompany the team as Chef de Mission, said his association was happy with the process through which the country’s representatives were selected.The national under-12 competition involved all 13 regions in a knockout tournament that was eventually won by the boys from Hardap.Rukoro told the boys that they have the right motivation at the right time in their lives and that they have all the reasons to continue with football.Coach Erich Beukes said the boys are really motivated to do well although they are not 100 per cent fit.They only had one week’s practice at a training camp in Rehoboth.The players are: Annou Kusch, Alberto Beukes (captain), Byron Swartbooi, Rudger Dierstaan, Robeth Vlees, Thomas Hawanga, Jerome Simonn, Grant Slinger, Innocent Skrywer, Brandon Hendricks, Shahide de Klerk, Rouxnet Lukas, Siegbertus Swartbooi, Queenton Dawids.Team Manager: Justice Kavari Coach: Erich Beukes.NampaThe under-12 World Cup will be contested by 40 nations from this Sunday until July 3 in Paris.The group paid a courtesy call on the Sport Ministry where they were received by the Director of Sport, Vetumbuavi Veii.Veii reminded them that their future is in their hands and advised them to learn as they mix with other cultures, to enjoy themselves but most of all to respect the rules of the competition.Namibia Football Association (NFA) acting secretary general Barry Rukoro, who will accompany the team as Chef de Mission, said his association was happy with the process through which the country’s representatives were selected.The national under-12 competition involved all 13 regions in a knockout tournament that was eventually won by the boys from Hardap.Rukoro told the boys that they have the right motivation at the right time in their lives and that they have all the reasons to continue with football.Coach Erich Beukes said the boys are really motivated to do well although they are not 100 per cent fit.They only had one week’s practice at a training camp in Rehoboth.The players are: Annou Kusch, Alberto Beukes (captain), Byron Swartbooi, Rudger Dierstaan, Robeth Vlees, Thomas Hawanga, Jerome Simonn, Grant Slinger, Innocent Skrywer, Brandon Hendricks, Shahide de Klerk, Rouxnet Lukas, Siegbertus Swartbooi, Queenton Dawids.Team Manager: Justice Kavari Coach: Erich Beukes.Nampa