//KHARAS have assembled a formidable side, as they plan to defend The Namibian Newspaper Cup football title when the popular youth sports competition returns at Oshakati next week.
The tournament, which runs from 26 to 28 August, was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the scourge of Covid-19 and many of that historic title-winning side are no longer eligible for the under-20 competition.
//Kharas are renowned for producing some of the most gifted footballers in the country, but only managed to bag their first title of the competition in 2019 when they defeated Otjozondjupa 2-1 in the final at Mariental.
They fell at the final hurdle twice, in 2006 and 2011, against Hardap and Khomas respectively.
In an interview with Desert Radio this week, //Kharas head coach Collin Motinga said they know what is awaiting them in the Oshana region and that is why they have kicked off early with earnest preparation to defend the coveted trophy.
“We are the defending champions, and we are busy with serious preparations. The region's demographic is fairly represented,” said Motinga.
The team was selected a few weeks ago after the annual Governor's Cup through trials.
Motinga said preparation will include friendly matches against some teams from the region.
“The potential is there for //Kharas to reach the final again. Looking at our group, we have played Zambezi and Kavango West before. As for Otjozondjupa, we defeated them during the 2019 final showdown,” Motinga said.
“We know each other and there is no way we will let our guards down because a lot is at stake. That is to bring back the trophy to //Kharas.”
They are confident of a good showing at Oshakati because preparations are going according to plan.
He called on the inhabitants from the great //Kharas region to support the team wherever they may find themselves during the long weekend. Those who can, should travel safely to Oshakati to boost the team's morale.
“The boys will certainly make the region proud if football lovers start supporting the team during its training camp.”
The Namibian Newspaper Cup is powered by Standard Bank, and organised through the Namibia Football Association.
The competition, which has incorporated a netball section run by Netball Namibia since 2018, enjoys auxiliary support from Coca Cola and the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service.
