//Kharas region to host 2026 Nedbank Newspaper Cup

The 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup was officially launched in Windhoek, setting the stage for one of Namibia’s most recognised youth sporting events.

The tournament will take place from 3–6 April 2026 in Keetmanshoop, the capital of the //Kharas Region, and will bring together under-20 football and netball teams from all 14 regions of the country.

Now in its 24th edition, the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup remains one of Namibia’s longest-running youth sports competitions, playing a significant role in nurturing young talent while contributing to the development of host communities through infrastructure upgrades and economic activity.

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture continues to play an important role in ensuring that all regions are able to participate. The ministry provides transport and accommodation for the 14 regional teams and also supports the renovation and upgrading of school hostels that house athletes during the tournament. In addition, sports facilities in the host town are improved to meet competition standards, leaving lasting benefits for the local community.

Deputy minister Dino Ballotti commended the longstanding partnership behind the event, thanking Nedbank Namibia and the Namibian Newspaper for their continued commitment to youth and sports development.

He highlighted that the tournament has become one of the country’s most enduring sporting events, made possible through cooperation between the private sector, the media and sports bodies. According to Ballotti, this collaboration has helped ensure that young athletes from every region of Namibia have an opportunity to showcase their abilities and pursue their sporting ambitions.

As the tournament’s title sponsor, Nedbank Namibia continues to support initiatives that promote youth development and community engagement. Over the years, the bank has invested in several sporting codes, including football, netball, cycling and athletics, as well as various grassroots initiatives.

Meaningful opportunities

Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua said the bank is particularly excited about bringing the tournament to the //Kharas Region. She noted that the previous edition in the Kunene Region set a high benchmark in terms of organisation and community involvement.

Murorua explained that leaders from the //Kharas Region had shown strong interest in hosting the event following last year’s tournament, and the bank was pleased to support the move.

She added that Nedbank’s involvement in the Newspaper Cup reflects its broader commitment to investing in communities and supporting the development of young people.

According to Murorua, initiatives such as the tournament provide young athletes with meaningful opportunities, helping to keep them engaged in positive activities while building confidence and hope for the future.

She also noted that the bank’s #GetMoneyFit campaign shares many of the same values promoted through sport, including discipline, consistency, planning and long-term commitment.

The governor of the //Kharas Regional Council, David Gertze, welcomed the opportunity for the region to host the tournament and expressed appreciation to the Namibia Football Association, Nedbank Namibia and the Newspaper Cup Committee for placing their trust in the region.

Gertze said hosting the event aligns with the goals of the country’s Eighth Administration, which prioritises youth development and sport as important pillars for the nation’s future.

The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup has historically served as a platform for identifying promising athletes, with many former participants progressing to represent Namibia at national level. Both the football and netball tournaments provide valuable scouting opportunities for national under-20 teams.

Beyond talent identification, the event also strengthens community pride and stimulates local economies as teams, officials and supporters travel to the host town.

As preparations continue, Keetmanshoop is gearing up to welcome hundreds of athletes, officials and fans. Facility upgrades and improvements to local infrastructure are already underway as the town prepares to stage the national youth showcase.

Football draw

Group A: Kavango East, Hardap, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa.

Group B: Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Kavango West, //Kharas.

Group C: Khomas, Erongo, Oshana.

Group D: Zambezi, Kunene, Omusati.

Netball draw

Group A: Zambezi, Hardap, Omusati, Ohangwena, Erongo, Kunene, //Kharas.

Group B: Oshikoto, Omaheke, Kavango East, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, Oshana, Kavango West.