Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup driven by grassroots sport development 

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

This year’s event will take place at Outjo from 18 to 21 April.

The Namibia Football Association’s 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,” Hamata 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, secretary general of Netball Namibia, 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 sport 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 the Kunene region has assured fans and teams that they are 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 as a yardstick when it comes to hosting this tournament,” said Marius Sheya, the governor of the Kunene region, during the launch of the tournament in January.

“We are committed to delivering the best edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup,” said Sheya.

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

Following the success of the 2024 edition at 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.

More than 20 of the 29 football players called up for the training camp ahead of the 2024 Council of Southern African Football Association (Cosafa) under-20 squad were selected from players who played in the 2024 tournament.

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

Additionally, Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin also called up several players for the senior national 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 midfielders Mbamba Lucas Magameno, Zuze Mutafela, Maurizio January, and Punaje Katjimune.

Rukoro and Katjimune made it to the final squad, with the latter going on to make two substitute appearances for the Brave Warriors in the tournament and during a Fifa World Cup Qualifier thereafter.

Benjamin says the platform created by Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup is essential for the growth of young players.

“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 Namibia’s national netball team, the Desert Jewels, as they received call-ups regularly. During the 2024 Netball Africa Cup at Swakopmund in December, Grace Matyayi played a starring role for the Desert Jewels, further cementing the reputation of the Nedbank Namibian 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 tournament 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 under pressure.

Nedbank Namibia’s communications and public relations manager, Selma Kaulinge, emphasised their 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 give 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 said.