Keetmashoop, April.01 – It’s all systems go for the 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup. The much-anticipated youth development tournament is scheduled to take place from 3 to 6 April 2026 in the //Kharas Region town of Keetmanshoop.
The tournament is expected to bring together under-20 football and netball teams from all 14 regions of Namibia, with over 1 000 players, officials, and delegates set to land in Keetmanshoop.
The organising team, which assessed the progress of the preparations, comprised representatives from the Namibia Football Association; Netball Namibia; Nedbank Namibia; the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture (MEIYSAC); and The Namibian newspaper.
//Kharas Region Football Chairperson Emrico Blaauw said that accommodation for the teams and their delegates has been secured at Suiderlig Secondary School, Youth Hostel, and JA Nel School hostels: ‘For those who wish to come and witness the games from outside the region, accommodation is now fully booked in town, but accommodation places surrounding Keetmanshoop are still available. I therefore urge people to make the bookings as soon as possible.’
He said some of the local homeowners will rent their homes to visitors during the tournament.
Blaauw added that they expect between 5 000 and 6 000 fans to throng the stadiums daily during the 4-day event.
Nedbank Namibia Communications and Public Relations Manager Selma Kaulinge said preparations are moving well, and they are looking forward to a successful tournament that will benefit not only the players but also the entire region: ‘The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup is much more than a youth sports tournament – it acts as a significant economic stimulus package for the hosting town and region. The benefits of this tournament range from infrastructure development to local procurement and local tourism, among others.’
She added that local schools have their facilities like hostels renovated, while lodges get booked by guests who spend on food, drinks, and merchandise.
Kaulinge added: ‘The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup puts Keetmanshoop, and the entire //Kharas Region in the spotlight, showcasing the region’s ability to host major events and potentially attracting future tourism and investment. The event unites the regional community, providing a platform for local pride.’
She concluded by calling on residents of the //Kharas Region to come in numbers and witness the young talent on display while encouraging the athletes to use the tournament as a springboard to cultivate lifelong friendships and the exposure to impress talent scouts.
Fixtures
Football:
Group A: Kavango East, Hardap, Omaheke, and Otjozondjupa.
Group B: Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Kavango East, and //Kharas.
Group C: Khomas, Erongo, and Oshana.
Group D: Zambezi, Kunene, and Omusati.
Netball:
Group A: Zambezi, Hardap, Omusati, Ohangwena, Erongo, Kunene, and //Kharas.
Group B: Oshikoto, Omaheke, Kavango East, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, Oshana, and Kavango West.
Namibia Daily News
