Select Page

Outjo to host Namibian newspaper cup

All roads lead to Outjo over the Easter weekend for another excitement instalment of the much anticipated annual Namibian Newspaper Cup. The under-20 football tournament will garner its support from the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture. It is anticipated that N$2 million will be bolstered into Outjo’s economy during the tournament.  

At a meeting between the Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture, Jerry Ekandjo, his deputy Juliet Kavetuna, Editor of The Namibian Tangeni Amupadhi and the Namibia Football Association (NFA) President Frans Mbidi last week, Minister Ekandjo stated that the Government, through his ministry, is behind the event which caters for the youth. “Initiatives of this nature should be supported at all times and we support this one fully. We thank the Namibian and the NFA for their initiative in uplifting the spirits of the youth and see it as a notable nation-building platform. I urge the business communities to get involved in similar programs and initiatives or ultimately support The Namibian’s endeavour,” said line Minister, Jerry Ekandjo. Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, deputy minister of youth Juliet Kavetuna added, “as the ministry has a strategic plan that includes a talent identification program, this is an ideal platform where players can showcase their skills and be spotted by selectors and football talent scouts”. Tangeni Amupadhi, editor of the Namibian newspaper thanked the minister for making time for a fruitful discussion and also the ministry’s participation in the past tournaments by sponsoring transport to the regional teams. “The newspaper cup is an event we thought worthwhile to pump in money as a symbol of how to keep the youth engaged,” Amupadhi said.
Namibia Football Association President Frans Mbidi said, “We are again looking forward to the hosting of the competition. Mbidi added, “it is a value adding event to our football with all the products that emerge from there and this will even be better as we will have 14 regions instead of 13 and that means more talent”.
On the preparations, the NFA Organizing Committee will next week send a team of inspectors to engage the catering, security, accommodation and medical services suppliers, amongst others, on their readiness for the hosting of more than 500 players and officials between 3-6 April 2015.

About The Author