Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup holders Omusati received an undisclosed donation from the Ombalantu Traditional Authority towards their quest to retain the coveted trophy.
The tournament is scheduled to run from Friday to Monday at Outjo, in the Kunene region, where Omusati are pitted in group C against Erongo and Kavango East.
Speaking to Desert FM recently, Omusati football region chairperson Benjamin Ekondo revealed that the team has received an unspecified donation and assistance from the Ombalantu Traditional Authority, boosting morale and preparations.
“Ombalantu chief tatekulu Oswin Mukulu gave us the donation. I do not want to be specific on what they have given us. They donated to the team, and we are quite proud of the donation we received,” Ekondo said.
“They have given so much, and it’s something we never really expected. As we speak I am coming from Okahao to pick up some donations that came through the governor’s office.”
Ekondo said reclaiming the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup last year was an achievement that was well received in the region, hence the support.
“I can tell that achievement was and is still fresh in my mind. Everybody was happy, and all residents in the region wanted to be part of the celebration,” he said.
“It was extremely exciting, and we are confident of a good showing at Outjo to retain the title.”
He said the team’s technical team has been hard at work taking the young players through the necessary ropes.
“Unlike in 2024 when we started early, this year we have not done a lot. However, the team has been in training since 31 March,” Ekondo said.
Omusati has retained about 30% of the players who represented the region at Gobabis.
“Most of our players are new and we truly believe in them to deliver. We are very confident with the new crop of players,” Ekondo said of their readiness.
“Winning the trophy elevated the aspiration and desires of the younger players in the region. Recently, I spoke to the governor, who had an audience with the newly appointed deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti, who both promised to have a proper football stadium in the region,” he said.
“That came after we have shown our competence and talent during last year’s newspaper cup, and what we are capable of achieving,” Ekondo said.
The defending champions will travel to Outjo on Thursday.
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