Harders Cup launched

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA The people of Lüderitz will once again be treated to a top football event when the annual Harders Cup returns.The third edition of the southern football showpiece was officially launched at the town on Saturday.Considered as one the most exciting regional sports events in Namibia, the competition will pit some of the finest teams against each other.The 2019 Harders Cup will take place from 30-31 March at the Lüderitz Soccer Stadium. This year, eight teams will compete for the grand prize of N$100 000. Seven teams from Lüderitz (Atlanta Bucs FC, Youngsters FC, Rush Ups FC, Diamond City FC, Man United FC, Novanam FC, Atlantic City FC) and an invitational team from Aus (Aus United FC) will battle it out in this year's competition.The winners will walk away with a cool N$100 000 while the runners-up will receive N$50 000 and the third-place team N$20 000.The top goal scorer will walk away with N$10 000.The founder of the event, Tim Ekandjo, said he was happy with the progress of the Harders Cup.“This event has turned out to be an incredibly successful event. This town and region have a rich history of great footballers, and this tournament celebrates their legacies.“We must therefore guard and preserve this event because it is ours. In 2017, we recorded a budget shortfall of over N$350 000, in 2018 a deficit of N$290 000. I am happy to report that both shortfalls have been cleared by making alternative plans without having to ask sponsors for more money, and as of today all prize monies are up to date and we do not owe any team any money, which is commendable.“We are accountable to our sponsors and provide them with detailed post-mortem reports after every event, detailing how every cent was spent,” Ekandjo said.One of the highlights of the launch was the unveiling of a new trophy. “After only two years, we needed to keep things fresh and exciting and we are honoured to introduce a better looking and better quality trophy. Let us see who will lift it for the first time,” said Ekandjo.Also speaking at the launch was the mayor of Lüderitz, Hilaria Mukapuli, who praised the event for the entertainment and commercial value it provides for the people of Lüderitz and the //Karas Region. “This event has become one of the most exciting events on our social calendar and gives our young people an opportunity to showcase their talent,” Mukapuli said. She lambasted detractors who are spreading false rumours to destroy the integrity of the event, saying they were being dishonest and ungrateful considering the sacrifices that are made to make such a beautiful event happen every year. Acclaimed South African artist Cassper Nyovest headlines the music bash.Other acts will be Top Cherie, Lioness, Mr Green, KP Illest, Tate Buti, Oteya, Gazza, and many more local artists.This year's event has a budget of N$1.3 million. The 2019 Harders Cup is sponsored by Standard Bank, Seaflower, Telecom Namibia, Tafel Lager, Debmarine, CSS Tactical Security, Profile Investments, John Endjala Investments, Namibia Sports Commission, Erongo Marine Enterprises, Coca-Cola, Namcor, Naftal Trading, Metropolitan/Swabou, Namport and the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company.Entrance to the 2019 Harders Cup is free and security will be tight.Last year, the competition was won by Orange Rangers after beating Novanam FC 4-2 on penalties. The draw: (knockout rounds)Atlanta Bucs FC vs Diamond City FC Novanam FC vs Man United FC Youngsters FC vs Atlantic Stars FC Rush Ups FC vs Aus United FC

Harders Cup launched

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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Harders Cup launched

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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