Vendors on business at Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup

The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup has brought business opportunities to the vendors who have converged to sell various products at Gobabis’ Legare Stadium.

However, the anticipated absence of the Omaheke region from the remaining games is likely to affect business, as the team has pulled huge crowds to the stadium, a plus for business people within and outside the stadium.

“Oh yes, it looks like everyone knows when Omaheke is playing and the field gets to be packed. But it’s promising and we are hoping to make something,” said a vendor that spoke to The Namibian.

This follows reports of officials being engaged in a war of words after age cheating allegations surfaced at the ongoing Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup.

A football enthusiast who declined to be named says the allegations are dampening the hopes of an exciting finish for Omaheke fans.

“I was supporting Omaheke but after these allegations, I am now rooting for Erongo,” he says.

Omusati which had been embroiled with cheating allegations has had its head coach Shipena Nakalondo announcing that the team has now been cleared of allegations that they fielded a first division player.

Some vendors have reported cuts in electricity and difficulty accessing water at their stalls.

“After the meeting that we had, the electricity was cut and it’s a big problem. We can’t play music. The water is also a bit far from where we are and we wish the taps could be closer,” says a vendor who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Another vendor, who opted not to be identified, lamented the electricity challenges.

“There are a lot of people supporting us but the problem I had is also electricity.”

Another vendor says business is flourishing as the cup enters its third day.

“I was selling fat cakes. Business is nice. I have no complaint,” she says.

Some vendors arrived and set up camp late on the first day, missing out on an opportunity to strategically position themselves closer to clients.