WINDHOEK – It remains a thorny issue to find a suitable replacement sponsor for CYMOT as the main focus of football in Namibia tends to be on the Namibia Premier League with very few companies realizing the potential of being involved in youth football development.
Expenses during one season of youth football can be compared to the annual grant received by teams in the topflight league from the league’s main sponsor. Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) is appealing to interested parties or potential sponsors to come on board to engage in discussions over the potential benefits of youth football development.
In a statement IMAWIDA expressed serious concern and say failure to attract financial backers before the start of the new season will leave the club with no other option than to consider a substantial increase in membership fees. Although this will be the last resort, the 2014 youth budget amounting to just about N$350 000, will have to be financed via membership fees only. “It is worthwhile noting that this amount does not include the maintenance costs of our three fields for practice,” the club said. The club also expressed gratitude to its longtime sponsor Cymot. What started out as an uncertain venture in January 2004 has developed into one of the most exciting and beneficial football sponsorships in Namibia during the last decade. Cymot has invested more than two million dollars during this period, a gesture that has led to the rise of SKW in the NPL, including the club’s dominance in youth football structures since 2007.
Meanwhile, the club held its year end prize giving ceremony at the SKW Hall last Saturday that saw several young footballers being rewarded for their outstanding showing in their respective age categories during the just ended season. The youngsters were rewarded in the categories golden boot, most dedicated and improved players by Cymot Marketing Manager Karsten Feddersen.
By Staff Reporter