The 23rd edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup was officially launched yesterday by sport minister Agnes Tjongarero at the Nedbank Windhoek campus. 

This year’s tournament will once again take place in Outjo, Kunene region, from 18 to 21 April.

It marks the second time the town will host the prestigious event.

The competition will feature 14 teams from across Namibia, who will be vying for top honours in football and netball. 

As one of the longest-running and most-respected tournaments in the country, the Newspaper Cup serves as a vital platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and attract the attention of national scouts. 

Many players selected from the Cup go on to represent Namibia in U/20 football and netball competitions at the international level.

At the launch, Tjongarero highlighted the importance of the event in empowering Namibian youth, particularly in sports development. 

“This Cup has played a significant role in nurturing talent, with past successes such as the Confederation of African Football U/15 Schools Tournament, and the Africa Netball Championship,” she said. 

She praised the Namibian government’s unwavering support in ensuring that transportation and accommodation for all participating teams are provided. 

“This is crucial for the continued success of the tournament, and for giving every young athlete a fair chance to compete,” she added.

Kunene regional governor Marius Sheya expressed confidence in Outjo’s readiness to host the event, revealing that preparations have been underway since last year. 

“We are making sure that by the time the tournament arrives, Outjo will set the standard for future hosts, not only in terms of the tournament itself, but also in developing sports facilities across the region,” he said.

Nedbank Namibia’s managing director Martha Murorua reaffirmed the bank’s commitment as the tournament’s title sponsor. 

She highlighted the significant economic impact the event brings to the Kunene region.

 “The upgrades to local facilities will benefit the youth long after the event concludes,” Murorua noted.

The launch celebrated the inclusion of netball in the tournament, which was first introduced in 2018. 

Outgoing Netball Namibia president Rebecca Goagoses praised the Cup for becoming a cornerstone of the country’s sporting legacy, offering young netball players the opportunity to shine on both national and international stages. 

The launch was concluded with the draw, which determined which teams will face off in the group stages.