THE Namibia Newspaper Cup officially got underway at the Oscar Norich Stadium in Tsumeb on Friday morning, when the Governor of the Oshikoto region Penda Ya Ndakolo declared the tournament open.
Several dignitaries and numerous fans converged on the stadium for the tournament which is now taking place for the 14th consecutive year.
The tournament’s popularity has grown by leaps and bounds and this year the Namibian Government and Ohorongo Cement also came on as additional sponsors.
The popularity was further demonstrated when the Governor of the Kunene regon, Joshua Hoebeb submitted a bid to NFA secretary general Barry Rukoro to host the tournament in 2015.
In his speech, Ya Ndakolo congratulated the Namibian Newspaper on its investment in soccer and the youth of Namibia, saying the tournament contributed to national unity and youth development.
“The financial support that we have received from the government and Ohorongo Cement is a clear testimony that this tournament is going from strength to strength,” he added.
The editor of The Namibian Newspaper Tangeni Amupadhi said the tournament was primarily for the youth and urged them to enjoy themselves.
The president of the Namibia Football Association John Muinjo also thanked the Namibian for its ongoing sponsorship, saying that the tournament played a major role in the development of football in Namibia.
The tournament was then officially opened with Muinjo and Ya Ndakolo displaying their footballing skills by kicking the ball from the centre line.
The tournament will see 13 regions in action while the Brave Warriors will also play a Namibian Shadow team on Sunday. The final is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
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