The national U/19 cricket team that left for Tanzania on Tuesday to participate in the regional World Cup Qualifiers in Tanzania from 21 to 31 July will deliver, Cricket Namibia (CN) has said.
Speaking at the capping and send-off ceremony held on Monday evening at the Safari Hotel, the president of the Cricket Namibia board, Dr Rudie van Vuuren said he is confident that the team will do its utmost to make the country proud, as he has witnessed the amount of hard work put in ahead of the tournament.
The team will face Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Uganda and the host, Tanzania, in exciting matches.
“The energy and commitment you have shown in your team is something very rare. It gives a team that X-factor. You guys have that X-factor. There is incredible talent and leadership amongst you,” he said.
The team will first go to South Africa for some practice sessions before heading to Tanzania for the competition.
Also speaking to this publication, Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Chief Administrator Freddy Mwiya said he believes the team has done what they needed to ensure they are ready for competition.
“We are very happy that the team is ready, and we know for sure that cricket is a code ready at all times. Our under-19s will make us proud. I, therefore, wish them well in this important endeavour, and we remain positive. We will rally behind the team while there, and I am positive we will do well in the competition,” he said.
It was announced during the capping ceremony that the team will be sponsored by Walvis Bay Salt, whose managing director, Andre Snyman, said it is a very important engagement for the junior team, and for them to align themselves with the team.
He said, “Not only is mineral beneficiation one of our key focus areas but we are honoured to be involved in the development of young local talent. Walvis Bay Salt’s commitment as ‘name sponsor’ of the Namibian u/19 team over the next two years is fully aligned with our business strategy to become a fully integrated international salt exporting company”.