WINDHOEK – Barely a few weeks into his new position, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Standard Bank Namibia Junius Mungunda has knuckled down to some serious business and is speaking the kind of language that is long overdue in corporate circles, namely the need to invest in local sports.
Launching the inaugural Standard Bank Super Cup in the capital on Tuesday Mungunda made a strong case for investment in sports.
Mungunda believes it is high time for corporate Namibia to accelerate its efforts in assisting government with many social challenges, particularly through empowering and uniting the youth through sports. He said Standard Bank took the decision to invest in football, because the beautiful game does not only bring Namibians together, but also offers hope to young players to achieve their dreams, and ignites the passions of fans and their love for the beautiful game.
“There are similarities between football and Standard Bank and it is the fact that they are both universal.
Football is played in Lagos in Nigeria, Soweto in South Africa and Katutura in Namibia to mention but a few, and similarly Standard Bank has operations across the African continent in countries like Angola, Nigeria, DRC, and even locally in towns such as Oshakati, Otjinene and many others,” Mungunda said.
“We believe the development of sports should not only be in the hands of government and urge the private sector to play its part. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are indeed proud to be associated with the development of football in our country. Our new initiative, the Standard Bank Super Cup, promises great excitement and local football lovers can look forward to several awards such Man of the Match, Moment of Brilliance, while spectators will also be awarded to mention just a few,” concluded the man known as Green, during his playing days with the now defunct Katutura outfit Hungry Lions FC.
By Otniel Hembapu