By Kuvee Kangueehi WINDHOEK All roads lead to Gobabis this weekend as the 2007 Hansa Pilsener Cup competition proper kicks off this weekend at the Legare Stadium. The Hansa Cup, which is arguably the biggest competition in terms of participation, kicked off last month when teams from the second and third division played the preliminary matches of the competition in all thirteen regions. Yesterday as the competition entered into the next stage, a draw was made at the Namibia Breweries Limited head offices to pit the teams from different regions against each other. During the draw, the acting Secretary General of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Barry Rukoro said the Hansa Cup touches the foundations of football as it gives an opportunity to players in the lower divisions to participate in formal competition. He said the competition also addressed the needs of the second and third divisions and so far more than 5 000 players have participated in the competition. He noted that the competition is also very popular among the lower divisions as they know that everyone stands a chance to win something. Rukoro further noted that some football players in the Hardap and Karas regions have indicated that they are planning to form social leagues to participate in the competition. “This means that players will not be lost to football as they have the opportunity to participate in the competition and this is the only way to develop players.” The winners and runners-up of the elimination round were presented with prizes for their efforts. Rukoro urged the supporters of the 16 teams to come in their thousands to support their respective sides. NBL Manager for Sponsorships, Zebald Rijatua, thanked the participating teams for the discipline shown. The NBL’s sponsorship is N$500 000. The competition will played in various regions as the quarter-final showdown is slated for Rundu on 17 February, with the semi-final scheduled for Otjiwarongo on 17 March. The final will either take place at Walvis Bay or Mariental on 21 April. Following is the weekend fixture: Saturday Eleven Brothers vs Nampol 12h00 Desert Boys vs Aranos 14h00 Black Hawks vs Zambezi United 16h00 Newcastle United vs Julinho 18h00 Sunday Pescanova vs Onambula United 10h00 Try Again vs United Stars 12h00 Revengers vs Flying Eagles 14h00 Andreas Eleven vs Mighty Gunners 16h00