By:Uakutura Kambaekua
Namibia’s biggest youth sporting tournament, the Namibian Newspaper cup was officially launched yesterday at Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa region where it is also scheduled to take place on 7 August 2023.

Otjozondjupa hosted the tournament in 2013 where they also emerged victorious.

The event, which kicked off for the first time in 2001, will mark its 21st edition under the theme “Reviving Economic Growth Through Sports.”

The inclusion of the netball category for the fourth consecutive time was once again welcomed by Netball Namibia president Rebekka Goagoses who stated that NN remains deeply indebted to the cup for the inclusion, noting that it is through such platforms that they manage to create scores of players whom some are plying their trade internationally.

“Netball Namibia remains deeply indebted to the cup for the inclusion. It is the fourth time that netball is taking part in the cup. Through this platform, we created players that are plying their trade internationally,” she said.

She also said that NN will not disappoint the sponsors, adding that netball is also an employer, while calling for more inclusion in such platforms.

Namibia Football Association (NFA) interim General Secretary Jochen Trautt said, as custodian of football in the country, NFA needs more sponsors to help keep soccer alive in the country.

“We believe that this competition will increase returns for marketing investment, especially for the intended purpose if you associate your corporate brand with NFA and the Namibian newspaper cup,” advised Trautt.

The tournament chief sponsor Standard Bank Namibia’s Regional manager for Central and Northern division Frieda Albertus reiterated the bank’s endurance to the event, stating that it’s imperative for the bank to collaborate with organisations whose events are goal-oriented and that will add value to the community.

“It is important for us to be intentional when deciding which organisations and events we partner with. We collaborate when we believe that the event is purpose-driven and will add value to grow this community. We are therefore proud to announce that Standard Bank will once again be the main sponsor for the cup,” she said.

Additionally, Albertus mentioned that it’s through this partnership that the bank hopes to achieve the equal provision of opportunities, that the youth will look forward to, being part of a team of people where they can expect positive peer pressure and share a goal to excel to win.

Also speaking at the same occasion, deputy editor in chief of the Namibian newspaper Isaak Hamata said the tournament’s legacy is to make sure that there is infrastructure development, hostel facilities, roads and sports facilities.