Standard Bank backs Newspaper Cup

STANDARD Bank Namibia’s N$1 million investment in The Namibian Newspaper Cup is exactly the kind of support that will inspire the country’s youth to put their best foot forward.

The banking institution on Thursday night committed to a three-year deal worth N$3 million overall to join the title sponsors, the government, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation and Coca-Cola to help realise the dreams of aspiring football and netball prospects.

This year, the premier youth sports tournament takes place from 19 to 22 April, returning to the Hardap region, which last hosted the event at Mariental in 2005.

“We’re happy that Standard Bank has come on board. It shows that this cup is not necessarily for The Namibian newspaper, it’s for everybody. We are mere facilitators for anyone who wants to be part of this cup,” said The Namibian’s general manager: finance and administration, Sieggie Veii-Mujoro.

The competition has helped transform the fortunes of Namibian football since its inception in 2001, becoming arguably one of the most-anticipated annual events on the national sports calendar.

From a humble N$120 000 for the first edition, the Namibia Football Association-run tournament has steadily increased in value and impact. Close to N$3 million is being set aside by the organisers for this year.

Standard Bank Namibia has lessened the financial burden on The Namibian with their strong sponsorship.

Additionally, the Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Service have taken up the transportation and accommodation costs of the teams in recent editions, while the ministry of works and the ministry of education supplement the renovation of the hostels and sports facilities.

“Just like the sponsors are doing, the public must come out in force to support their children. We also call on other corporate entities and businesses to please support their regional teams in whichever way possible. Our government can’t do it alone. We have to help where we can,” Veii-Mujoro said.

“To the youngsters, this is a platform to showcase your talent and passion. It is a platform that has exposed their forerunners to the rest of the country. They’ve gone on to play in the premier league, represent their country, and some now earn a living playing abroad,” he encouraged.

“Do not treat it like just an ordinary competition. Avoid unnecessary activities. So, put your all into it and make a success of it, but at the same time enjoy yourself,” Veii-Mujoro continued.

Other than the dazzling exhibition of raw talent in the arena, The Namibian Newspaper Cup has garnered a reputation for providing a memorable adventure-laden Easter long weekend getaway.

Additionally, close to N$3 million goes into the economy of the host town through bookings for accommodation, sales of food and beverages by shops and street vendors, and other business activities centred around the competition.

“As always, the public can expect a well-organised and fun-filled family-friendly event, where they can enjoy a variety of entertainment and socialise at ease. Your colourful support at the matches is very welcome and much appreciated,” enthused Veii-Mujoro.

“We’ll be opening tenders as from next week for caterers and other services. These people should come from the region. So, there’s an opportunity for everybody, so let’s all grab that opportunity,”

The prizes are unchanged from the previous tournament, with N$30 000 for football’s first prize, while the runner-up will get N$20 000 and the semi-final losers N$16 000 each.

The team collecting the fair play award will receive N$3 000, while the player of the series, match official of the series, goalkeeper of the tournament and top goalscorer will each receive N$2 000 – an increase from N$1 000.

Each player of the match will receive N$500.

The netball competition’s first prize is worth N$25 000; second place is valued at N$12 500; the third-placed team gets N$6 250; and fourth-best will be rewarded with N$3 125.

The individual prizes are as follows: player of the match N$250; overall best shooter N$500; overall best centre N$500; overall best defender N$500; and player of the tournament N$500.