Big guns back in Debmarine Cup
The Debmarine Namibia Cup is likely to have all the Namibia Premier League teams in action this time around.
Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary-general Barry Rukoro yesterday hinted that the five clubs that were not part of the Debmarine Namibia Cup last year would be included this year.
Black Africa, Orlando Pirates, African, Tigers, Chief Santos and Blue Waters all refused to play in the competition.
Last year, the five clubs refused to take part in the competition because the NPL was not active yet.
The clubs dragged their feet on the competition, citing a lack of preparation and players as their reason for withdrawing from the competition.
At that time, the NFA and Debmarine Namibia had threatened to ban the clubs from playing in the competition for a period of three years.
“I am sure that the situation will be resolved amicably and these teams will be allowed back in the competition. “The tournament is for the teams and I do not see any reason we can hold them back,” Rukoro briefly said.
The final decision on whether the clubs would be allowed to participate was to be made later yesterday.
Namibia diamond company Debmarine came to the rescue of Namibian football when it committed N$14.1 million to the tournament in 2016 for over a period of three years. Young African were crowned champions of the competition after beating Mighty Gunners 3-2 in the final which took place in Gobabis last year.
Young African bagged N$500 000 for winning the tournament.
Individual efforts were also recognised.
Itamunua Keimuine of Tura Magic was awarded N$20 000 for being the top goal scorer of the tournament.
Young African's Himeezembi Hengombe was voted player of the tournament and was rewarded with N$20 000.
Young African coach Maleagi Ngarizemo was the coach of the tournament and was handsomely rewarded with N$15 000 and goalkeeper Mata Mbemutjiua of Young African won the Golden Gloves Award and was given N$15 000.
This year, the Round of 32 draw will take place in Windhoek on 15 March.
The Round of 32 will allow regional second divisions and first divisions to compete with the Namibia Premier League teams.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
Black Africa, Orlando Pirates, African, Tigers, Chief Santos and Blue Waters all refused to play in the competition.
Last year, the five clubs refused to take part in the competition because the NPL was not active yet.
The clubs dragged their feet on the competition, citing a lack of preparation and players as their reason for withdrawing from the competition.
At that time, the NFA and Debmarine Namibia had threatened to ban the clubs from playing in the competition for a period of three years.
“I am sure that the situation will be resolved amicably and these teams will be allowed back in the competition. “The tournament is for the teams and I do not see any reason we can hold them back,” Rukoro briefly said.
The final decision on whether the clubs would be allowed to participate was to be made later yesterday.
Namibia diamond company Debmarine came to the rescue of Namibian football when it committed N$14.1 million to the tournament in 2016 for over a period of three years. Young African were crowned champions of the competition after beating Mighty Gunners 3-2 in the final which took place in Gobabis last year.
Young African bagged N$500 000 for winning the tournament.
Individual efforts were also recognised.
Itamunua Keimuine of Tura Magic was awarded N$20 000 for being the top goal scorer of the tournament.
Young African's Himeezembi Hengombe was voted player of the tournament and was rewarded with N$20 000.
Young African coach Maleagi Ngarizemo was the coach of the tournament and was handsomely rewarded with N$15 000 and goalkeeper Mata Mbemutjiua of Young African won the Golden Gloves Award and was given N$15 000.
This year, the Round of 32 draw will take place in Windhoek on 15 March.
The Round of 32 will allow regional second divisions and first divisions to compete with the Namibia Premier League teams.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
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