Skorpion fever
The Skorpion Zinc Under-17 Cup takes centre stage today at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
The popular cup competition will see all 14 regions compete against each other for the title.
Skorpion Zinc corporate affairs and sustainability manager, Nora Ndopu, said preparations for most of the regions taking part in competition started well before the launch in July.
She said the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and its partners have been in touch with regional organisers, thus keeping track of the preparations.
“We want to believe that no region waited until the launch in July to start preparing, because they will be putting their young players at a disadvantage,” Ndopu said.
She explained the tournament has a positive influence on the players, as it provides a platform for them to socialise.
“We believe that sport is one of the aspects that promote youth and community development. The ultimate benefit is that the values transferred through sport involvement are not only localised to the sport environment, but may be replicated in other areas,” she said.
Ndopu added an individual's pride, when selected to represent their region, cannot be underestimated.
“For a young one, they take this as a serious duty, and become very competitive, so the region can be victorious.
“Every region looks forward to winning the competition. Ever since its inception, there has not been a region that decided not to participate. That is how prestigious the cup is.
“These young ones are our future players in the premier league and in the national team. They can only think of taking football further if they are encouraged and supported.
“We hope the parents and nearby communities will come in their big numbers to come and support the games, in order for these young players to be motivated,” Ndopu added.
//Karas are the defending champions. They beat Omaheke 3-1 on penalties in Grootfontein in August last year.
This year they are in Group B with Oshana, Omaheke, Hardap and Kavango East.
Kunene, Erongo, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa and Khomas are in Group A, while Kavango West, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto are in Group C.
The action will kick off at 09:00 today, with Erongo and Otjozondjupa playing each other, followed by Zambezi against Kunene.
//Karas will then meet Kavango East, with nine matches in total taking place today.
Tomorrow, Oshana and Kavango East will open the action at 08:00, before Omusati and Ohangwena renew their rivalry once again.
Eight games will take place tomorrow to decide who goes through to the semi-finals, and ultimately the final match.
In the semi-finals, the winner of Group A will face the winners of Group C at 09:00, while the second semi-final match will see the Group B winner taking on the best runners-up from groups A or B.
Khomas won the maiden edition of the tournament in Keetmanshoop in 2013, while Omusati collected the trophy in 2014, 2015 and 2017. There was no tournament in 2018.
Erongo, Otjozondjupa and Oshana may surprise this time around. Entrance to the matches is free.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
LIMBA MUPETAMI
The popular cup competition will see all 14 regions compete against each other for the title.
Skorpion Zinc corporate affairs and sustainability manager, Nora Ndopu, said preparations for most of the regions taking part in competition started well before the launch in July.
She said the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and its partners have been in touch with regional organisers, thus keeping track of the preparations.
“We want to believe that no region waited until the launch in July to start preparing, because they will be putting their young players at a disadvantage,” Ndopu said.
She explained the tournament has a positive influence on the players, as it provides a platform for them to socialise.
“We believe that sport is one of the aspects that promote youth and community development. The ultimate benefit is that the values transferred through sport involvement are not only localised to the sport environment, but may be replicated in other areas,” she said.
Ndopu added an individual's pride, when selected to represent their region, cannot be underestimated.
“For a young one, they take this as a serious duty, and become very competitive, so the region can be victorious.
“Every region looks forward to winning the competition. Ever since its inception, there has not been a region that decided not to participate. That is how prestigious the cup is.
“These young ones are our future players in the premier league and in the national team. They can only think of taking football further if they are encouraged and supported.
“We hope the parents and nearby communities will come in their big numbers to come and support the games, in order for these young players to be motivated,” Ndopu added.
//Karas are the defending champions. They beat Omaheke 3-1 on penalties in Grootfontein in August last year.
This year they are in Group B with Oshana, Omaheke, Hardap and Kavango East.
Kunene, Erongo, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa and Khomas are in Group A, while Kavango West, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto are in Group C.
The action will kick off at 09:00 today, with Erongo and Otjozondjupa playing each other, followed by Zambezi against Kunene.
//Karas will then meet Kavango East, with nine matches in total taking place today.
Tomorrow, Oshana and Kavango East will open the action at 08:00, before Omusati and Ohangwena renew their rivalry once again.
Eight games will take place tomorrow to decide who goes through to the semi-finals, and ultimately the final match.
In the semi-finals, the winner of Group A will face the winners of Group C at 09:00, while the second semi-final match will see the Group B winner taking on the best runners-up from groups A or B.
Khomas won the maiden edition of the tournament in Keetmanshoop in 2013, while Omusati collected the trophy in 2014, 2015 and 2017. There was no tournament in 2018.
Erongo, Otjozondjupa and Oshana may surprise this time around. Entrance to the matches is free.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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