Welcome to Karas: Swartbooi

THE Governor of the Karas Region, Bernadus ‘Clinton’ Swartbooi, has promised a ‘mind-blowing’ 12th edition of The Namibian Newspaper Cup.

The annual youth development football tournament is to be held in Keetmanshoop over the Easter weekend (April 6-9) and the governor believes the town is sufficiently prepared to host what he believes will be a memorable event. According to Swartbooi, the local organising committee has spent more than a million dollars to beef up infrastructure and services to ensure the event’s success. ‘Karas is ready. Look forward to a mind-blowing event,’ Swartbooi said at the competition’s launch in Windhoek yesterday. ‘I want to say welcome to the Karas Region. We are well prepared to have you for Easter.’ Swartbooi said at times there were serious doubts as to whether the region would be ready to host the competition. ‘We have spent a little over N$1,2 million to prepare for the tournament. To any region that wants to host this event, it is not a joke. It takes an enormous toll but we are thankful to have the opportunity to host it for the second time.’The governor said The Namibian newspaper has become synonymous with football development in the country.Down the years, the Newspaper Cup has given a platform for young players from the regions to get noticed by Namibia Premier League clubs and national selectors, who watch the tournament scouting for emerging talent. ‘In Namibia football development cannot be spoken of without [the contribution of] The Namibian,’ Swartbooi said.’This is possibly the biggest highlight of a young man’s life when representing his region. You have seen in the past how much it means to these young players just by the look on their faces when they win or lose a game [in the tournament].’Deputy Sport Minister Pohamba Shifeta was also on hand to share his take on the tournament.’The Namibian is not soliciting publicity through this event. Their commitment to the cause of the nation is not new. The results of their investment are visible and tangible. Without this type of development programme we would not be able to have a formidable national team.’