NAMDIA Foundation inaugurates Outjo Cricket Facility

The NAMDIA Foundation recently announced the inauguration of the Cricket Regional Development Facility in Outjo.

The facility, valued at N$300,000, will play a crucial role in feeding into Cricket Namibia’s high-performance programs.

The NAMDIA Foundation has previously invested in developing sports infrastructure for cricket in Walvis Bay, bringing its total investment in these cricket facilities to N$600,000. By funding this facility, the Foundation aims to help young cricketers access superior training infrastructure. This will not only provide players with a dedicated space designed for cricket, but also enable them to refine their skills and elevate their game to the next level. As a result, the children of Outjo will no longer have to compromise or share spaces not specifically designed for cricket.

Speaking at the event, NAMDIA Foundation Trustee Lelly Usiku stated that the facility represents more than just nets, pitches, or fields. It symbolises the potential of what the youth of Outjo can achieve. “It is a significant step towards elevating the town’s position as a cornerstone for cricket development in Namibia. From here, we anticipate the emergence of future stars of the national team. We look forward to seeing young boys and girls growing up with a sense of purpose, discipline, and belonging—equipped to excel on the field and in life,” Usiku added.

Cricket Namibia has long acknowledged the significance of community-based development centres. Therefore, the Outjo cricket centre is one of six regional centres contributing to a larger vision aimed at nurturing Namibian talent and enhancing the strength of national teams on the international cricket stage.

Johan Muller, the CEO of Cricket Namibia, emphasised the significant impact of the development programs carried out in Outjo.He stated, "Outjo has emerged as a pivotal force in nurturing young cricket talent. What began as a modest initiative with committed coaches and eager students has become a cornerstone of Namibia's broader cricket development strategy." Muller also highlighted mini cricket's role in developing players representing the country in the U/19 girls and U/19 boys age groups.

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