Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup to continue grassroots sports development

The organisers of the 2025 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup say the tournament will continue to catalyse sports development in Namibia.

The Namibia Football Association spokesperson, Isack Hamata, says that over the years, the tournament has helped unearth talent that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

'Over the past 23?years, the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup has been the platform that created an opportunity for young footballers to show their talent on a bigger stage and to be selected for the age group and senior national teams. We shudder to think what would have happened to the talent had it not been for this tournament,' he said.

He emphasised that the coaches possess unrestricted authority to select players for their regional teams from the tournament, underscoring the growing significance of this tournament in Namibian football.

His words were echoed by Sophia Simon, who said the tournament serves as a platform for the under-20s to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and potentially advance their sporting careers.

'It also helps with engaging communities, enhancing infrastructure development, and fostering a strong sports culture within Namibia. Besides player development, the tournament aids in the personal growth of youth participants and fosters regional engagement. Hosting regions aim to win national support beyond the sports arena, enhancing community development and regional pride,' Simon said.

Meanwhile, the local organising committee in Kunene Region has assured fans and teams that they are well prepared to deliver a world-class tournament.

'We are excited to welcome the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup back to Kunene. We want to show other regions how sport activities are supposed to be hosted. We started preparing the fields in 2024 and the preparations are going well. We are making sure that, by the time the tournament is done, all the other regions will use us (Kunene) as a yardstick when it comes to hosting this tournament. We are committed to delivering the best edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup,' said Marius Sheya, the Governor of the Kunene Region, during the launch of the tournament in January.

He added that Outjo is ready to showcase its hospitality and passion for football and netball.

Following the resounding success of the 2024 edition in Gobabis, which saw impressive attendance and fierce competition, excitement is already building for what promises to be another thrilling showcase of Namibia’s finest young sporting talent.

The 2024 tournament proved to be a vital stepping stone for emerging netball and football players, who had an opportunity to be exposed to international competitions.

A total of 6?football players and 8?netball players earned senior national team call-ups.

Over 20 of the 29 football players called up for the training camp ahead of the 2024 Council of Southern African Football Association under-20 squad were selected from players who played in the 2024 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup.

Over 80% of these players went on to participate in the tournament.

The Brave Warriors coach, Collin Benjamin, also called six players for the senior team, with three?of them going on to make the final squad.

These were goalkeepers Branco Rukoro and Rupura Tjambeni, defenders Marek Mangundu Kapuro and Namayabona Matengu and Marek Mangundu Kapuro, and midfielders Mbamba Lucas Magameno, Zuze Mutafela, Maurizio January, and Punaje Katjimune.

Rukoro and Katjimune made it to the final squad, with the latter making two substitute appearances for the Brave Warriors (one at the tournament and one during a World Cup Qualifier).

Brave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin says the platform created by Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup is essential and epic.

“These players are transitioning from youth to senior. The pride one sees in these players representing their regions is second to none. I always look forward to easter weekend because of this tournament,” he said.

In netball, Zanté Farmer, Tilly Kamati, and Mendjipee Kaveako have become part of the Namibian National Netball Team (Desert Jewels) as they received call-ups regularly. During the 2024 Netball Africa Cup in Swakopmund in December, Grace Matyayi played a starring role for the Desert Jewels, further cementing the reputation of the Newspaper Cup as the country’s top developer of sporting talent.

Desert Jewels coach Julene Meyer added that the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup was a critical stepping stone for the u19 age group.

“It gives national team coaches a glimpse into their level, potential and pathways into the senior and u21 squads because one thing is certain we have a wealth of talented athletes and the Nedbank Newspaper cup is the showpiece of scouting the best u19 players available in Namibia,” she said.

Meyer added that the tournament helps the players prepare for high-performance environments, developing their skill, talent, and abilities in pressure situations.

Nedbank Namibia Communications and Public Relations Manager, Selma Kaulinge, emphasised the bank's commitment to supporting grassroots sports development through initiatives like the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup.

'As money experts who do good, we believe in the power of sport to transform lives. By creating a conducive environment for young athletes to showcase their talent, we are investing in Namibia’s future sporting stars and leaders. Sports plays a crucial role in keeping young people fit and healthy while steering them away from negative influences and other social ills,' she said.

Kaulinge added that platforms like the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup are giving young Namibians a chance to pursue meaningful careers in sports.

Besides football and netball, Nedbank Namibia is also proud to support a range of other sporting codes, including cycling, golf, athletics, cricket, and volleyball. ?

'Our goal is to uplift Namibian sport holistically, ensuring that young athletes across different disciplines have access to opportunities to grow and excel. We remain committed to nurturing talent and empowering the next generation of Namibian sports stars,' Kaulinge concluded.

The 2025 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup will take place in Outjo from 18–21 April.

ENDS.