Countdown to Skorpion Zinc Cup starts

This year’s Skorpion Zinc Under-17 tournament is now just five days away, with football officials starting the countdown to the event on Friday. The youth tournament is set to start on Saturday, August 23 with matches taking place at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. On Friday, Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary-general Barry Rukoro along with Skorpion Zinc’s Nora Ndopu and Namibia Premier League (NPL) chairman Johnny Doeseb started the official countdown at the NFA’s Technical Centre. Speaking at a small media gathering, Rukoro said this event is quite important for aspiring young players. “It is the first official entry point for young players when it comes to Namibian football,” he said. “In two years’ time they will be playing in the premier league, which is why we have the NPL chairman here. Without a doubt, this tournament opens doors for our youngsters… but more than just a football event, it is a nation-building exercise as different members of our society get to meet others from opposite corners of the country,” he added. Doeseb, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the initiative. “We as the NPL appreciate the effort made by the NFA secretariat and their partners… This shows that Skorpion Zinc takes the development of football seriously,” he said. Ndopu said the company’s investment of N$1.3 million per year is proving worthwhile when reading of the success stories that have emerged during the event. “Last year was a major success and we are happy with the progress the tournament has made. We are hoping to get more success stories this year,” she said. The competition, which runs until August 26, will see the 13 regions of Namibia putting their best Under-17 players on display. Khomas are the defending champions, having won the inaugural competition after beating Erongo 2-1 at Keetmanshoop. WINDHOEK-SPORT REPORTER