Windhoek
Local football lovers can ready themselves for a football fiesta never seen in our neck of the woods for a very long time when two of the country’s oldest football teams clash in the second edition of the lucrative annual Standard Bank Super Cup.
Reigning MTC Premiership champions African Stars and Bidvest Cup winners Tigers are to renew their long-standing rivalry that dates back to the Old Location when football was played on gravel fields in the 50’s.
The two Katutura giants will lock horns to stake a claim for the N$500 000 first prize in the Standard Super Cup at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on August 1. The losers will take home a consolation prize of N$200 000.
Namibia’s equal to the popular Charity Shield in the home of football, England, the Super Cup pits the league champions against the Namibia Football Association (NFA) cup winners.
Officiating at the launch at Football House in Windhoek yesterday, the deputy minister of sports Agnes Tjongarero applauded Standard Bank for the initiative and urged other companies to follow suit.
“It’s a global understanding that everybody is happy to be part of football and I challenge the corporate business world to put aside one per cent from profits to assist football. Sports should be a significant part of any nation and culture, so in view of that sports must experience a revival in Namibia.” The chief executive officer (CEO) of Standard Bank Namibia, Vetumbuavi Mungunda, said football does not only unite people but brings joy and excitement to many communities and households as well.
“Football is an industry with the potential to contribute massively to the growth of the economy because it’s no longer just a game of fun anymore.”
“The magical part of football is that there is always hope even when you lose – there is always hope of winning the next game,” added the former Hungry Lions midfielder.
Mungunda said Standard Bank’s involvement is all about developing the local game and encouraged teams to lift their play during the season if they are to qualify for the prestigious one-day bonanza.
Black Africa won the inaugural edition of the Standard Bank Super Cup, defeating African Stars 3-1.
“Our football has come a long way with limited resources and it’s therefore very pleasing and encouraging for us to note that corporate citizens such as Standard Bank care about the welfare of our young people, the footballers, by injecting large sums of money for the betterment of the game,” were the wise words of NFA 2nd vice-president Crooks Nunuheb.