Namibian Sun

Limba Mupetami

WINDHOEK



With by far the biggest corporate sponsorship the country has ever seen, MTC has pledged its support to Namibian sport.

The sponsorship comes at a critical time when sports and the world at large face unprecedented times due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Celebrating its most admirable brand status, the telecommunications giant will lend a N$67.8-million helping hand to 14 beneficiaries across seven sports codes –

boxing, soccer, rugby, netball, hockey, horse racing and the Namibia Youth Games.



Massive contribution

Sports minister Agnes Tjongarero thanked MTC for its massive contribution and cautioned the beneficiaries to safeguard the investment they received by being professional and by practicing good corporate governance at all times.

Tjongarero also addressed infighting amongst sports leaders, which often affects players, and warned that leaders must turn a new leaf to advance the interest of sports to attract more investors.

MTC chose to maintain its relationship with the Nestor Sunshine and Salute Boxing academies, giving them an N$1 million per year increase.

The sponsorships will now go from N$1.75 million to N$2.75 million.

Meanwhile, the Kilimanjaro Boxing Academy received a N$100 000 increase, going from N$400 000 to N$500 000.



Football revived

Receiving the biggest share of the cake with N$13.5 million, the MTC Namibia Football Association Cup will now become the biggest local football competition.

MTC will also continue its relationship with the annual Dr Hage Geingqob Cup, giving the event an increase of N$200 000. The sponsorship has grown from N$1.4 million to N$1.6 million.

The Hopsol Youth Soccer League becomes a new addition to the MTC family with an annual sponsorship amount of N$500 000 to ensure it continues to develop youth football across age groups and structures.



Rugby, netball in the mix

The Namibia Rugby Union welcomed an N$2.7-million investment into their 'Get Into Rugby' initiative that will see the sport promoted across the country.

The development programme will ensure that raw talent is identified and nurtured in the regions.

Enthusiastic netball players can now also look forward to plying their trade professionally in the newly-created MTC Netball Namibia Premier League, which received an injection of N$4.2 million.



Hockey, horses not forgotten

The senior national hockey teams will each receive N$1.5 million, allowing them to prepare for upcoming international competitions.

Meanwhile, the Namibia Horse Racing Association received N$1.5 million. This will no doubt have passionate horse racing fans smiling as they can expect more competitions in the near future.

The Youth Games also received a much-needed injection of N$5.4 million, which will allow the sports ministry as well as the Namibia Sports Commission to organise the annual games that sees talented youth competing in over 14 sports codes.



Looking ahead

MTC's chief human capital and corporate affairs officer Tim Ekandjo explained that the telecommunications company has successfully negotiated naming rights to all the events and looks forward to working with event organisers for the next three years. The sponsorship will be effective from 1 October.

Also speaking at the event, CEO Dr Licky Erastus celebrated MTC's most admired brand status, attributing the company's success to its ambassadors, the shareholders and its loyal customers.

Erastus officially handed over the most admired brand certificate to board chairperson Theo Mberirua.