Newspaper Cup on the go

PREPARATIONS for the popular The Namibian Newspaper Cup are in full swing, with several regions holding trials to select their squads over the past few weeks.

The tournament is scheduled for the town of Keetmanshoop over the Easter Weekend. The Karas Region, which will host the tournament, has named its final squad of 20 players, with six additional players who are on the short list.Other regions have confirmed that their trials are still going on, with the Otjozondjupa Region expected to release its final squad this week.It will be the seventh year that The Namibian, which is the initiator and sole sponsor of the tournament, will be holding the event.The newspaper has over the years invested millions in the competition, which draws the finest under-20 players from all regions to compete in the four-day event.The Hardap Region won the tournament last year and will be expected to defend their title as competition has become tougher over the years.Last year, The Namibian invested over N$500 000 in the tournament, which caters for the accommodation, transport and meals of all the players and officials.This year, the sponsorship will be higher and will be announced at the official launch of the competition tomorrow.A customary attraction will be the match between the Brave Warriors and the Shadow Team on the second-last day of the tournament.A men’s and a women’s team from the Northern Cape in South Africa will also be involved in the tournament this year.The Karas women’s football team will face the visiting women’s side, while the Shadow Team will play against the men’s team from South Africa.Entry to all matches is free.The event is expected to deliver great football, as the standard at the junior level has improved dramatically.The Karas Region, which will host the tournament, has named its final squad of 20 players, with six additional players who are on the short list.Other regions have confirmed that their trials are still going on, with the Otjozondjupa Region expected to release its final squad this week.It will be the seventh year that The Namibian, which is the initiator and sole sponsor of the tournament, will be holding the event.The newspaper has over the years invested millions in the competition, which draws the finest under-20 players from all regions to compete in the four-day event.The Hardap Region won the tournament last year and will be expected to defend their title as competition has become tougher over the years.Last year, The Namibian invested over N$500 000 in the tournament, which caters for the accommodation, transport and meals of all the players and officials.This year, the sponsorship will be higher and will be announced at the official launch of the competition tomorrow.A customary attraction will be the match between the Brave Warriors and the Shadow Team on the second-last day of the tournament.A men’s and a women’s team from the Northern Cape in South Africa will also be involved in the tournament this year.The Karas women’s football team will face the visiting women’s side, while the Shadow Team will play against the men’s team from South Africa.Entry to all matches is free.The event is expected to deliver great football, as the standard at the junior level has improved dramatically.