Harders Cup revived

The fourth Harders Cup will make its return as an expanded competition from 20 to 22 September, the organisers said during the recent launch at Lüderitz.

The event, which started out as a football tournament for Lüderitz-based clubs only, will become a regional competition, with 20 teams from the southern stream competing.

The prize money has also doubled, making it the third biggest event in Namibia with N$420 000 up for grabs. The winner will receive N$200 000, silver medalist N$100 000, bronze N$50 000 and fourth place gets N$30 000.

The top scorer and player of the tournament will each receive a cool N$20 000, and all teams will receive a brand new pair of kit.

The Harders Cup will also give one deserving student a bursary every year.

As usual, the event will conclude with the much anticipated Harders Music Bash that will see over 10 artists on stage.

Speaking at the event, //Kharas governor Aletta Fredericks commended the return of the cup and encouraged players and concert goers to participate with discipline.

“There was a time when our national team was filled with exceptional players from this region and we want those days back. Such platforms provide an opportunity for our players in the region to do that,” Fredericks said.

This year’s event will be delivered at a total budget of N$1,7 million. The gala dinner raised an amount of N$320 000 in pledges, with its founder

Tim Ekandjo and Debmarine Namibia each pledging N$100 000.

Seaflower Group of Companies and Namdeb both pledged N$50 000, with the Lüderitz Mayoral Trust Fund and Naftal Trading each giving N$10 000.

More sponsors are expected to announce their pledges in the coming days.

Entry to the Harders Cup will be free, and the event aims to boost the economy and social fabric of Lüderitz, the organisers said.

“This is proudly our own event, an event where nobody pays to enter and we are grateful that it is back,” said the organisers.