Johannesburg, South Africa (ADV) – THE Namibian Newspaper Cup is a platform through which entrepreneurship, pride and harmony can be fostered, this is according to Standard Bank Namibia’s Chief Executive Officer Vetumbuavi Mungunda.
Signed last week, the partnership is valued at N$3 million and set to run for the coming three years is said to be more than a springboard to realising dreams for aspiring youngsters.
“It was an easy decision for us to get involved in The Namibian Newspaper Cup,” Mungunda said.
“The event, which takes place from 19 to 22 April at Mariental this year, “touches all Namibians”, and provides priceless exposure for young Namibians. When you bring people together, for them to be talking and engaging socially, that opportunity for national cohesion is invaluable. As a country, we have also not started to see sports as a competitive industry which can create jobs. Sports development should be a collective effort, not only for the central government to foster, but the private sector must come on board as well.”
Meanwhile, The Namibian’s editor Tangeni Amupadhi expressed satisfaction that the traditional boys under-20 football competition now includes a netball for girls since last year.
“I’m so glad we now have the girl-child to participate. The girl-child was left out for a long time. Youngsters can get easily distracted. It may not seem like an important weekend until people mention the Brave Warriors, but it keeps them engaged in productive activities, and that is what keeps us going,” Amupadhi emphasised.
“Overall, we spend over N$5 million in total with our sponsors on the tournament. But money is nothing. The product is what matters. What we see of the youngsters is what keeps us going,” aaded Amupadhi.
Holders Omaheke were drawn to face Oshikoto in the tournament opener. They share Group B with host Hardap and Kunene, with record winners Khomas in Group D, alongside two-time champions Oshana and Omusati, who took honours in 2015.
Group A contains Oshikoto, //Kharas, Kavango East and Zambezi, while triple Newspaper Cup winners Otjozondjupa face Ohangwena and 2012 champion Erongo in Group C.
The netball draw pits Kavango East, winners of the first instalment last year, in Group A against neighbours Kavango West in their first match. The group also has Oshikoto, //Kharas, Zambezi, Omaheke and Kunene. Hardap are in Group B, together with Otjozondjupa, Ohangwena, Erongo, Khomas, Oshana and Omusati.
© Bur-JHB – M.C– African Daily Voice (ADV) – Follow us on Twitter : @ADVinfo_eng
