Drogba dazzles Windhoek

In celebration of an African beer that has become one of the world’s most loved beers, Windhoek Lager has proudly welcomed one of the world’s most loved football legends, and an African hero – Didier Drogba – on Namibian soil. The soccer legend landed in Windhoek in the early hours of yesterday. Drogba features in the premium beer brand’s Pan-African advertising campaign that celebrates Africa’s world-class achievements. Windhoek Lager and a world-class African hero (Didier Drogba) both have displayed similar values and commitments to their chosen path to establish themselves beyond their national borders whilst remaining true to themselves. Jacquiline Pack, Senior Brand Manager: Windhoek Trademark at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), said: “When we looked for ways to bring the Windhoek Lager story to life, we asked consumers across our key markets in SADC, who in their experience have become Africa’s pride in achieving world-class status yet demonstrate values such as authenticity, humility, commitment, hard work and staying true to themselves and their roots. “Without a doubt, Drogba was the one person that consumers chose as the most celebrated African talent who has achieved world-class status and most importantly still demonstrates the said values. We are extremely humbled and excited to welcome Africa’s world-class hero to the home of Africa’s world-class beer!” These values and convictions are what turned Windhoek Lager from an unknown brand from Namibia to becoming one of the most loved and respected premium brands both in Namibia and outside of our borders. “Not only has Windhoek Lager won the hearts of many consumers, but its dedication to quality and its brewing authenticity have also won the hearts of various judges at international DLG awards where for the past consecutive eight years, Windhoek Lager scooped the coveted gold medals at the DLG in Germany,” Pack said. Just like Windhoek Lager, Drogba is a proudly world-class African, who has also kept it real, prioritising the important things in life above triviality and the temptation to do it easier. “His authenticity and strength makes him a man that Windhoek is proud to be associated with. When we formalised the agreement, Drogba expressed an interest in coming to Namibia to see the home of this world-class brand – Windhoek – and to meet the people of Namibia,” continued Pack. “A few months later, this has finally become a reality and we are thrilled to host him. Through the partnership with him, the telling of his story, and having him visit, our aim is to encourage Namibians to taste Africa’s World Class Beer and to show that nothing comes easy – it takes determination and hard work to achieve great things.” The partnership which was formalised at the end of 2013 saw Drogba appearing in a TV commercial titled ‘The Journey’. The commercial shows Drogba reminiscing about an African journey of courage, determination, authenticity and hard choices made along the way to achieving and being celebrated on a world stage. Commenting on the campaign and his visit to Namibia, Drogba said he is excited to partner with Windhoek Lager. “It’s great to see an African beer become so popular in so many different countries. I can appreciate the path and challenges it must have faced as I have faced similar challenges but always held on to my values and African roots. I have been looking forward to spending time in Namibia and seeing the home of Windhoek Lager is truly an amazing experience! Thank you Windhoek Lager and Namibia for your contributions in celebrating African quality and talent.” Windhoek STAFF REPORTER