JS Academy joins forces with Tura Magic

Women’s Football League champions JS Academy have been incorporated into Namibia Premier League (NPL) club Tura Magic’s structure. The incorporation follows months of discussions between the two entities on the best way to pull the clubs together and offer better value for both, Magic announced last week. As a result of the incorporation, JS Academy will now be known as Tura Magic Ladies and will compete in the Women’s Super League, or the highest league for women’s football, as may be determined by the Namibia Football Association (NFA). Tura Magic Ladies will, however, retain their team management structure which will report to the Tura Magic Board that currently oversees operations of the men’s team as well as the Tura Magic Academy. Plans are at an advanced stage to introduce a girls’ section at the Tura Magic Academy. The decision resonates with the club’s desire to offer equal opportunities to boys and girls in terms of football development, a press statement said. Magic chairman Peter Nakurua said the decision to go unisex should be seen in the context of football development. “We are thrilled about this development, and we believe it holds the promise of great things for the club and for Namibian football,” he said. In the longer term, and depending on its progress in the football department, Tura Magic plan to establish alliances with netball, volleyball and athletics clubs in Katutura to create a platform for growth. The founder of JS Academy, Jacqui Shipanga, said: “The main reason we decided to partner with Tura Magic is because we share the same philosophy in terms of youth development, giving young boys and girls an opportunity to grow instead of focusing on the well-established and experienced guys. “I think the girls (Tura Magic Ladies) are in good hands. It is a historic moment for all of us.” WINDHOEK-SPORT REPORTER