Youth talent takes centre stage in Outjo
Football and netball
The annual under-20 showpiece will crown its champion teams on Monday.
The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup will take place this Easter weekend in Outjo, Kunene Region, as some of the top football teams from Namibia are set to entertain fans in the town.
The annual under-20 tournament has always provided flair and an opportunity for coaches to identify some of the best rising talents in the country.
As a youth-focused competition, the Newspaper Cup has created opportunities for scouts to discover players from remote areas across Namibia.
Many of the stars who have gone on to represent the country at senior national team level were first scouted at this annual event.
It has been widely reported that a total of six football players and eight netball players were selected from teams in the Newspaper Cup following the 2024 campaign.
Former Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti said the tournament is a valuable opportunity for coaches to spot top talent.
“This is a tournament that has been home to top footballers who have often gone on to become stars.
“The tournament has an important place, because it gives young players the chance to be noticed and scouted.
“I believe it has truly been a good platform, and I am sure that all regions are excited to be part of this year’s event,” Mannetti said.
The defending netball champions (Khomas) and football title holders (Omusati) of the 2024 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup are ready to compete for the titles up for grabs at this weekend's tournament in Outjo.
The competition kicks off on Friday, and concludes on Monday, 21 April.
Three-time back-to-back netball champions, Khomas Region, are determined to bring the trophy home once again.
Khomas Netball Regional Secretary-General Erica van Zyl shared: “We began with constituency trials before selecting our regional team, which then participated in several training camps in the build-up to the tournament.
“Our girls have been taught the fundamentals of netball from an early age, making the transition to under-19 level seamless.
“We also run programmes to train teachers at both primary and high school levels, who then pass on their knowledge to the players. This will be evident during the tournament.”
The annual under-20 tournament has always provided flair and an opportunity for coaches to identify some of the best rising talents in the country.
As a youth-focused competition, the Newspaper Cup has created opportunities for scouts to discover players from remote areas across Namibia.
Many of the stars who have gone on to represent the country at senior national team level were first scouted at this annual event.
It has been widely reported that a total of six football players and eight netball players were selected from teams in the Newspaper Cup following the 2024 campaign.
Former Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti said the tournament is a valuable opportunity for coaches to spot top talent.
“This is a tournament that has been home to top footballers who have often gone on to become stars.
“The tournament has an important place, because it gives young players the chance to be noticed and scouted.
“I believe it has truly been a good platform, and I am sure that all regions are excited to be part of this year’s event,” Mannetti said.
The defending netball champions (Khomas) and football title holders (Omusati) of the 2024 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup are ready to compete for the titles up for grabs at this weekend's tournament in Outjo.
The competition kicks off on Friday, and concludes on Monday, 21 April.
Three-time back-to-back netball champions, Khomas Region, are determined to bring the trophy home once again.
Khomas Netball Regional Secretary-General Erica van Zyl shared: “We began with constituency trials before selecting our regional team, which then participated in several training camps in the build-up to the tournament.
“Our girls have been taught the fundamentals of netball from an early age, making the transition to under-19 level seamless.
“We also run programmes to train teachers at both primary and high school levels, who then pass on their knowledge to the players. This will be evident during the tournament.”
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