An unforgettable experience
The Lions team from Oshakati have returned after representing Namibia at Neymar Jr's Five world finals in Brazil and described the experience as “unforgettable”.
Namibia's representatives at the Neymar Jr's Five tournament in Brazil, who travelled on a plane for the first time, left the country for the first time and stayed in a hotel for the first time, have returned with their heads held high.
The Lions from Oshakati managed to win one match at the five-a-side global spectacle played in Brazilian soccer star Neymar's home country, which kicked off on 21 July.
The tough group stages resulted in the Lions not making it through to the top 16.
They lost against the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Mexico, but hammered Ireland 5-0. Mexico were eventually crowned the world champions in the men's draw after two days of back-to-back football.
Brazil claimed the world champion tag in the women's championship. The Lions are more motivated than ever and are confident they will again represent Namibia at the 2019 edition of the Neymar Jr's Five tourney. “It was our first time on a plane, our first time in a hotel and our first time out of the country and it was an unforgettable experience. Next year, we will win (the national qualification competition) again and we will be back in Brazil,” team captain Pieter Hailombe said.
Red Bull Namibia brand manager Nadja Geiger lauded their partners for making the event possible. “I would like to thank our partners Bank Windhoek, Snickers, Fresh FM and NBC for their support throughout this project.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to have seen the Lions represent Namibia on the big stage,” Geiger said.
She said projects of this nature open doors for Namibian youth and help put the country on the map. The organisers are looking forward to a bigger and better 2019 edition.
Entries for the national qualifiers are expected to double next year.
Sport Reporter
The Lions from Oshakati managed to win one match at the five-a-side global spectacle played in Brazilian soccer star Neymar's home country, which kicked off on 21 July.
The tough group stages resulted in the Lions not making it through to the top 16.
They lost against the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Mexico, but hammered Ireland 5-0. Mexico were eventually crowned the world champions in the men's draw after two days of back-to-back football.
Brazil claimed the world champion tag in the women's championship. The Lions are more motivated than ever and are confident they will again represent Namibia at the 2019 edition of the Neymar Jr's Five tourney. “It was our first time on a plane, our first time in a hotel and our first time out of the country and it was an unforgettable experience. Next year, we will win (the national qualification competition) again and we will be back in Brazil,” team captain Pieter Hailombe said.
Red Bull Namibia brand manager Nadja Geiger lauded their partners for making the event possible. “I would like to thank our partners Bank Windhoek, Snickers, Fresh FM and NBC for their support throughout this project.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to have seen the Lions represent Namibia on the big stage,” Geiger said.
She said projects of this nature open doors for Namibian youth and help put the country on the map. The organisers are looking forward to a bigger and better 2019 edition.
Entries for the national qualifiers are expected to double next year.
Sport Reporter
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