WINDHOEK, Nov. 11 — Organizers of the Kasi Cup in Namibia have expressed hope to unite the capital city’s informal settlements through sport. The new season of the Kasi Cup, which was officially launched on Tuesday in Windhoek, will take place on Nov. 15-16 at the Johnny Ya Otto Sports Field, in the informal settlement of Wanaheda.
It was established in 2011 under the Informal Settlement Sports Tournament Program, an initiative by the Windhoek Municipal Council in collaboration with communities from the city’s informal settlements.
The program aims to harness the power of sport as a tool for social integration, youth empowerment, and community development, the municipal authority said.
“Over the years, the Kasi Cup has grown into a flagship sporting event, providing a platform for young people to showcase their talent, foster teamwork, and build community pride.”
According to the organizers, the event will attract 1,826 soccer players across 83 teams and 108 registered netball players from nine teams, representing informal settlements such as Greenwell Matongo, Havana, Okahandja Park, Ombili, Hakahana, Otjomuise, Babilon, Goreangab, 7de Laan, 8ste Laan, Oshitenda, Groot-Aub, Ongulumbashe, Mix, and Ozohambo zaKuaima.
“As one of Windhoek’s most anticipated community sports events, the Kasi Cup continues to embody the spirit of togetherness and the transformative power of sport in the city’s informal settlements,” the municipal authority said.
About 40 percent of Namibia’s population lives in informal settlements, according to the United Nations. (Xinhua)
