Puma extends NFA deal

PUMA yesterday extended its sponsorship deal with the Namibia Football Association for another three years.

The new standard sponsorship will see the renowned sport-lifestyle brand adorn all national teams with Puma gear including training equipment, tracksuits, boots and other apparel. The initial sponsorship deal, signed in 2007, only included full technical supply to the Brave Warriors. NFA secretary general Barry Rukoro said the new agreement was ‘good’ for the enhancement of Namibian football on the international stage. He added that the brand is worn by many top teams in the world and it showed that Puma held Namibian football in high regard.’The NFA is very happy to confirm the extension of the agreement,’ Rukoro said, adding that Namibians should rally behind the national sides by not only attending matches in numbers but also wearing team regalia to the games. ‘We are delighted to continue working with Puma through the agreed contractual term. ‘We would like to thank Puma for their commitment to Namibian football.’Puma South Africa’s marketing director, Brett Billinger said his company enjoys good relations with the NFA which has led to the extension of their existing partnership. ‘Puma is very proud to have extended this agreement with the Namibia Football Association,’ said Billinger.’It further underlines Puma’s long standing commitment to Africa and African football, and we are pleased to continue this partnership. We look forward to supporting the Namibian national team through the 2012 CAF Nations Cup qualification campaign and beyond.’Namibia based Prima Agency has come on board as the distributor of the kit. They will also distribute official replica and fan wear which will be made available countrywide in the near future. TEAM SELECTIONMeanwhile, Brave Warriors interim head coach Brian Isaacs yesterday trimmed his 31-man training squad to 22 ahead of Wednesday’s friendly meeting with Malawi’s ‘Flames’. Isaacs said captain Collin Benjamin will not feature at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, as he will not make the trip in time for the 20h00 kick-off. Also missing from the squad is wayward midfielder Razundara Tjikuzu, who ‘could not be traced for a call-up’. The 22 players left in camp are as follows:Attiel Mbaha, Virgil Vries, Max Mbaeva, Willem Mwedihanga, Richard Gariseb, Steven Goagab, Teberius Lombaard, Oliver Risser, Gottlieb Nakuta, Sydney Plaatjies, Ninja Karongee, Emilio Martin, Heinrich Isaacks, Letu Shatimuene, Ronald Katjijere, Denzil Haoseb, Rudolf Bester, Tangeni Shipahu, Wilko Risser, Henrico Botes, Sydney Urikhob and Pineas Jacob.