This year’s Suko-White All Stars tournament, slated for 9 and 10 August promises to be bigger, bolder, and more vibrant than before, as the organising committee is hard at work.
The 4th edition of the annual event has expanded the football and netball competitions, creating space for more community teams across the UK to showcase their talent. For fans, it’s more than just sport; it’s culture, entertainment, music, and unity.
“Expect high-energy matches, family-friendly vibes, and a taste of Namibian pride here in the UK. We’ve added entertainment performances and cultural highlights that’ll keep everyone engaged from 08h00 to 18h30. And of course, the night event? Pure vibes. You don’t want to miss it,” said Menongongo Gloria Kejarukua, widely known as Suko-White. Kejarukua says planning the event that is just three weeks away has been intense but incredibly rewarding.
“My organizing team and I have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything from team registrations to venue logistics and entertainment is seamless.
We’ve learnt a lot from the first three editions, and this year we’re coming with even more structure and professionalism. Communication with teams has been flowing, entertainers are getting prepped, and we’ve locked in all our logistics.
We’re ready to deliver a memorable experience for both players and spectators.”
This year, the team has increased the prize money because it’s important to grow with the times, they believe. Kejarukua feels things are going up economically, and they want to reflect that growth and appreciation in how they give back.
“Our players and teams put in a lot of time, effort, and training, so it’s only right that the reward rises too. Improvement is our motto this year. We’re not staying stagnant; every year, it has to get better, and that includes the prizes,” she explained.
Artists billed to perform include Swaart Baster, Tjonga, Rax Kandjoze, who bring a different energy and cultural style that resonates to the heart of the event. “I chose them because they connect with the community, they perform with passion, and they understand the vision of Suko-White. Their music resonates with our people, and that’s what we’re about – authenticity, joy, and shared identity. The rest you will just have to come and see us.”
In a twist of things, Suko-White will also be hosting a similar tournament in the country from 31 October to 2 November.
“The people back home kept messaging, ‘When are you bringing this to Namibia?’ The requests were constant, and I felt it was time. Our people in the diaspora deserve celebration, but so do our people back home. It’s only fair that we share this movement and love with both sides of the world.
The Namibian edition will be a full-circle moment of homegrown pride, back on home soil,” she said.
Recently, the songstress also released a video when she flew back into the country, titled Tjakupuuo Otjiwondo, a song rooted in Herero heritage. “It speaks to resilience, rhythm, and remembrance. Shooting it in Namibia gave the video that raw authenticity and emotional depth I needed.
I was truly motivated to release it not just for the music, but for the message.
“This is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of our identity, our passion, and our community.
Let’s come together on 9 and 10 August in Cheltenham and make magic happen.
Bring your flags, bring your team spirit, and bring your energy, Tukapunde,” she ended.
-slunyangwe@nepc.com.na.