Skorpion Zinc tourney returns

The Skorpion Zinc under-17 regional tournament has returned after being absent for a year. The mining company has committed itself to a N$1.4 million sponsorship for the Namibia Football Association (NFA) to stage the youth tournament. Last year, the tournament did not take place because of the financial difficulties the company had faced. However, under-17 players from all 14 regions now have a chance to showcase their talents. The competition will take place in Windhoek on 9 September. Speaking on behalf of the mine situated at Rosh Pinah, the CEO of Vedanta Zinc International, Deshnee Naidoo, said it was about time that the company returned to the football scene. Vedanta Zinc International is the custodian of the zinc assets of India's globally diversified Vedanta group in Africa and Ireland. “Our aim has always been to create sustainable jobs and make an impact in society. “Last year, it was a tough time for the economy and that is why we took a break from supporting the under-17 tournament. “This tournament is important because it gives the boys credentials and that is why we are now here to stay,” Naidoo said. The tournament is said to have benefited the under-17 national team, given that most of its players were selected at the event in the past. One of the recognisable results the tournament has yielded is that the Namibia national under-17 team won the 2016 Cosafa Cup with players that came out the Skorpion Zinc competition. The team also went on to do well in their recent tour to Germany after beating notable sides away from home. NFA president Frans Mbidi lauded the company for its efforts to keep the dreams of young footballers alive. He feels that the competition has helped galvanise talent in Namibia, which he believes will benefit the senior national team in the future. “I would like to thank Skorpion Zinc for making a decision that is in the best interest of football,” Mbidi said. “We know that football has been hit hard by the lack of finances, but we continue to fight to make things right. “The competition is an avenue for new exciting players and we therefore guarantee a high level of organisation towards this competition.” The last time the tournament took place in 2015, Omusati Region defeated Oshikoto Region 1-0 to lift win the Skorpion Zinc Cup. A total of 70 goals were scored in that competition as some exciting football was displayed. This year, the competition has drawn the defending champions Omusati Region alongside the Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, //Karas and Kunene Region in group A. Group B will see Kavango East, Erongo, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Khomas Region battling for the knockout stages. Group C has only four teams: Kavango West, Oshana, Hardap and the Zambezi Region. The match schedule will be announced in due course. Meanwhile, the company has hinted that it will also get involved in supporting women's football in Namibia. Naidoo emphasised the importance of achieving gender equality. Skorpion Zinc and the NFA women's football desk are expected to enter into talks that would benefit women footballers in the country.JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Skorpion Zinc tourney returns

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-12

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Skorpion Zinc tourney returns

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-12

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