Maqonda Ndlovu

The ninth edition of the Dr. Hage Geingob Cup was launched in Windhoek yesterday afternoon as the tournament reverted to its roots, football, after a two-year absence due to Covid-19 and the absence of football in Namibia.

The one-day bonanza will take place on the 18th November at the Independence Stadium, where activities will commence at 11h00.

Speaking at the launch, Presidential Spokesperson Alfredo Hengari, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of Geingob, said they are happy that the competition is back as a football tournament, after last year when it was shifted to rugby to assist the Welwitschias prepare for this year’s World Cup in France.

“The other year, the tournament was not played because of Covid-19, but we managed to help several socially challenged members of the elderly communities throughout the country. This year, we will see football teams from juniors to legends, and the defending NPFL champions, the African Stars, entertain us,” he said.

In his speech, Geingob said they are fully aware of the state of the sports and recreation facilities in the country, hence the decision to set aside N$100 million to repair them, with the hope of watching the Brave Warriors play on home soil soon.

Geingob added that sports development is a priority in Namibia, as sport is about discipline and ethics.

“We cannot uplift the quality of sport without the participation of corporate companies. We therefore call upon corporate companies to invest in sports. By investing in sport, they are investing in the young Namibians and giving them a platform to succeed,” Hengari said.

Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Emma Kantema-Gaomas said the tournament has grown into a beacon of unity and a symbol of the perseverance and power of sports in Namibia.

“This tournament is a living testament to the power of sports and creates a sense of unity, just as Nelson Mandela once said. It inspires us and plays a holistic role in the development of youth. The tournament will also help strengthen the relationship between Namibia and South Africa through the match between the two country’s legends,” Kantema-Gaomas said.

She added that sports promote a culture of peace and health, while calling on Namibians to fill up the Independence Stadium.

Chairman of the Normalisation Committee Bisey Uirab applauded the inclusion of women’s football in the tournament for the first time, saying it was a move in the right direction.

“This speaks well to the NFA’s resolve to develop women’s football. The tournament came at a time when women’s football and football in general are on an upward trajectory,” he said.

The tournament will kick off with a match between two MTC HopSol youth league teams. The two teams will receive a donation of football equipment.

The second match will see women’s FNB Namibia Super League winners FC Ongos (formerly Tura Magic) face runners-up Galz and Goals, with the winner taking home N$100 000 and the runner-up taking home N$50 000.

The next match will see the Namibian legends led by Ricardo Mannetti, Bimbo Tjihero, and Eliphas Shivute, among others, face their South African counterparts led by Doctor Khumalo, who was present at the launch, Lucas Radebe and Steve Lekolea.

The final match of the day will see defending Namibia Premier Football League 2022/23 champions African Stars face a team that will be selected by the fans via an SMS competition in which all the remaining NPFL 15 teams will participate.

The winner will pocket N$250 000, while the runners-up will get N$100 000.

Tickets to the stadium will cost N$20 and proceeds from the gate takings will be channelled to a charitable cause.

Next year will be the 10th and final edition of the tournament.

MTC, Bank Windhoek, and Namibia Breweries are the tournament’s sponsors. – jrnamrko@gmail.com