Grace Pujatura, the sponsorship and marketing director at Kaondeka Turf Club, on Friday expressed gratitude to Standard Bank Namibia for their three-year N$600 000 sponsorship towards the club, saying the financial inject by the bank will go a long way in helping the club realise its long-term developmental goals.

The N$600 000 sponsorship handover was held at Okahandja on Friday and saw the country’s racehorse owners in attendance. 

Speaking to this publication on the sidelines of the handover ceremony, Pujatura said the sponsorship is vital and of greater benefit to the club, as it will allow them to host horseracing events of magnitude. 

“The sponsorship is a great boost to the club; this will allow us to successfully stage our events without any hustles. It also means the wellbeing of our jockeys will be well taken care of, our horses will be in great shape and the whole fraternity will equally benefit from this great sponsorship. It also allow other clubs to compete at our events,” he said.

She added the past few months have not been easy for the horseracing sector due to the lack of competitions. 

“It has been a struggle without competitions for our horses and jockeys, and that means our jockeys could not put anything on the table – but with the new sponsorship and horseracing sports returning, hopefully, things will change for the better.” 

Speaking at the same event, Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) president Martinus de Waal hailed Standard Bank Namibia and all corporates that have been supporting horseracing sports in the country.

“I would like to say thanks to Kaondeka Turf Club for their hard work. They are one of the committed clubs that never disappoint us when it comes to hosting races annually. We are privileged and humbled that the sponsors have recognised your hard work and gave you such a huge responsibility,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Standard Bank Okahandja branch manager Immanuel Jason said they are pleased to be part of the initiative.

“Horse racing have grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. They have worked hard to upgrade the status of the sport, and this success demonstrates the value that lies in pursuing the dreams of young Namibians,” he said. 

Their first event under the Standard Bank Namibia sponsorship is scheduled for tie 2nd of next month.

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na