Khomas regional teams get governor’s blessings

WINDHOEK, 29 MAR – Khomas Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua on Wednesday officially sent off the region’s netball and football teams for the 18th edition of The Namibian Newspaper Cup set for Katima Mulilo from Friday to Monday.
“Drive safely, especially through the Bwabwata National Park during the night as it is very dangerous,” said McLeod-Katjirua, while urging the teams to take prophylaxis against malaria, as the Zambezi Region is currently in the middle of the malaria season.
McLeod-Katjirua said the regional council made available N.dollars 10 000 to the teams as incentive to win.
They also donated golf shirts for the netball and football teams, football kits, six netballs, six footballs, and two first aid kits for each team.
Netball for the first time forms part of the competition, which is sponsored by The Namibian newspaper and Nedbank Namibia.
Netball captain Joandre Neil welcomed netball’s inclusion in this year’s competition, saying it gives them the opportunity to display their talent on a big national stage.
“We expect to share our passion of sports with girls from across the country. This competition will allow us to be united as Namibia and learn from each other while competing,” Neil said.
She added that the team sacrificed a lot and she expects them to perform well.
Neil said youths can use sports as a pastime activity, rather than engage in destructive activities such as abusing alcohol and drugs.
Coach Eve Kamatushi said preparations went well and the girls are ready.
“We expect good competition from other regions. There are high expectations for the Khomas Region to do well and I believe we are ready to compete instead of just participate,” Kamatushi said.
The coach said the tournament will allow the girls to develop their game and learn, and hopefully get a call up for the senior national teams.
“It is a good platform for them to showcase the talent they have. It is the first time the tournament is being held, so they will definitely impress,” concluded Kamatushi.

NAMPA