Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The MTC Maris Cup competition round of 16 between Premier League clubs will proceed as scheduled, despite reports that some teams considered boycotting due to insufficient preparation funds.
It was reported that several clubs intended to skip the games, citing that the N$30 000 provided to each team by the main sponsor, MTC, for preparations was inadequate to cover expenses such as transport and accommodation.
Teams have also raised concerns about the distribution of the N$1.5 million prize money, arguing that the current winner-takes-all system does not fairly benefit all participating clubs.
MTC’s corporate communication officer, Erasmus Nekundi confirmed that there would be no changes to the fixtures. He announced that participating teams would receive their MTC-sponsored playing kits on Saturday morning at the Dr Hage Geingob Stadium.
The Namibia Football Association’s spokesperson, Isak Hamata also confirmed that the tournament is still going ahead and that clubs are preparing.
‘’As far as we are concerned, the games are on. We will communicate if anything to the contrary happens,’’ said Hamata.
The fixture for Saturday’s matches:
- King Kauluma FC vs. Khomas Nampol at 13:00
- Young African vs. Young Brazilians at 15:30
- Okahandja United vs. Blue Waters at 18:00
- Unam FC vs. Eeshoke Chula Chula at 20:30
Sunday’s matches:
- Cuca Tops vs. FC Ongos at 11:00
- Bucks Buccaneers vs. Julinho Athletic at 13:30
- Mighty Gunners vs. Tigers at 16:00
- Blue Boys vs. African Stars at 18:30
The quarter-finals are scheduled for 1 and 2 February, the semi-finals will take place on 15 and 16 February, and the final match is set for 1 March.
During the launch of the competition in November last year, MTC’s Tim Ekandjo explained that each team would receive N$30 000 in preparation fees for every match they play, to assist with travel and other expenses.
Finalists will each receive an additional N$40 000. Individual awards for the tournament include N$20 000 each for the Player of the Tournament, Top Goal Scorer, and Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Six lucky fans will also have the opportunity to win N$5 000 each by creatively marketing the MTC Maris product.
“Six lucky fans will win N$5 000 in Maris money. All they have to do as a fan is to look at the MTC Maris product and come up with an innovative way of marketing the product in their own way. Participants must post their project on social media and the MTC Maris team will choose the best entries,” said Ekandjo during the launch.
