Namibia Football Association (NFA) marketing and communication manager Cassius Moetie says it is important for the national soccer leadership to align its youth football products with the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup.
Responding to questions by The Namibian Sport, Moetie says: “The competition’s footprint across all 14 regions enables the NFA to engage stakeholders and opinion leaders in all 121 constituencies, using football as a powerful strategic tool to promote national unity, social cohesion, economic participation, and national pride, under the brand promise: ‘My Namibia, My Country, My Pride’.”
Moetie says the NFA deploys its technical support group during the competition to ensure that talent is properly nurtured and transitioned into national teams, preventing promises to U20 players from being overlooked.
He says: “The U20 age category remains highly relevant within the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup. It provides a critical transition stage, allowing national selectors to identify players who are close to progression into the Namibia senior men’s national football team structure.
“The competition also creates a high-performance competitive environment, where players strive for excellence and recognition through awards such as player of the competition, best goalkeeper of the competition, and top goal scorer of the competition.”
Moetie stresses that the Newspaper Cup also places strong emphasis on refereeing and technical development.
“Each year, the NFA conducts referee training courses on the margins of the Newspaper Cup, providing young referees with practical match experience,” Moetie says.
“These referees demonstrate remarkable composure and professionalism, applying the laws of the game with discipline even in heated matches often confronted by intimidating technical teams on the bench. These young referees will, without fear or favor, flash either yellow and red cards.”
“The Newspaper Cup fits seamlessly into the NFA’s long-term player development pathway strategy as a key grassroots talent identification and scouting programme.”
Moeti says the competition expands a wider talent pool available to national selectors, providing them with a broader and more diverse selection base from which to identify and develop players for various national teams.
“The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper, as you have rightly pointed out, serves as a strategic initiative for football development at all levels, contributing significantly to consistent development and growth of the beautiful game of football across all regions.
“NFA’s football products like the men’s football, women’s football, regional first, second and third divisions and Futsal Namibia collectively position Namibian football on an upward trajectory, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success for Namibian football.”
PLAYERS’ SAFETY
Moeite says the NFA – in collaboration with Netball Namibia, Nedbank, The Namibian, and the local organising committee – ensures the provision of the best qualified medical personnel.
This includes ambulances and hospital services throughout the competition, regardless of the host region and town.
“Given the intensity of the Newspaper Cup, running over four days may require players to compete in multiple matches, including the semi-finals and finals so fatigue and injuries are carefully managed.”
Moetie says strict medical protocols are implemented to ensure immediate injury treatment, including suspected concussions, with clear and controlled return-to-play procedures in line with international best practice.
He says the NFA encourages teams to focus on development-oriented coaching rather than winning at all costs.
“The focus is on improving players’ technical ability, skills, decision-making, and overall football intelligence, rather than solely pursuing short-term success.
“This approach tends to build stronger, more resilient players and teams over time and supports sustainable player development,” Moetie says.
BEST PLAYERS IDENTIFICATION
He says the competition serves as a scouting and evaluation platform where coaches, the technical support group and regional coaches assess players based on key performance indicators, such as individual technical ability, tactical awareness, teamwork, discipline and composure under pressure.
The criteria enable selectors to identify players with potential to progress seamlessly into national team structures.
BEYOND NEWSPAPER CUP
Moetie says what is needed is the establishment of structured, accessible, and consistent development programmes across all age groups.
“This includes strengthening football academies to bridge the gap between grassroots and elite levels, as well as investing in infrastructure such as properly equipped stadiums and training facilities.”
He says young players must have access to regular coaching, competitive match exposure, and clearly defined development pathways that allow for continuous monitoring and progression.
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