HILARIUS HAMUTENYA
The tenth and final edition of the Dr. Hage Geingob Cup was launched on Wednesday in Windhoek under the theme, “The Legacy Continues.”
This highly anticipated event is set to take place on 19 October at the Independence Stadium and promises to captivate Namibian football fans as six teams compete for the top prize.
The participating teams are Eeshoke Chula Chula, African Stars, Girls and Goals, FC Ongos Ladies, Omake Celebrities (powered by MTC), and Danger Points Celebrities (powered by NBL and Bank Windhoek).
Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, who officiated at the event, said that it is “a bittersweet moment.”
“Even though we knew that the launch of the 10th edition would be the final edition, Dr Hage Geingob’s passion was not only about the games but also about bringing people together and uniting the nation through sports. And he did it unwaveringly, building social cohesion,” she said.
The Dr Hage Geingob Cup is made possible through the sponsorship of MTC, Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), Bank Windhoek, and the NFA.
Waldemar Von Lieres, NBL’s Finance Director, added that their support for the cup has always been strong.
NBL contributed N$1.5 million.
“It’s a way of showing our continued belief in the values Dr Geingob stood for unity, inclusiveness, and national development through sport,” he said.
Tim Ekandjo, MTC’s chief human capital and marketing officer, said that the cup is about celebrating sports and their role in uniting communities.
Bank Windhoek’s head of the public sector, Shali Shindume said that the significance of the event is a manifestation of Dr Hage Geingob’s vision to revive and advance sports.
“It stands as a testament to his unwavering belief in the importance of giving back to the very foundations of our society. He believed, as do we, that investing in sports is investing in the future of our youth, our communities, and our nation,” he said.
The match lineup for the day is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The main game will feature Eeshoke Chula Chula against African Stars, while the women’s match will see Girls and Goals take on FC Ongos Ladies.
The winner will walk away with N$300 000, while the runner-up will receive N$150 000.
The women’s winner will earn N$200 000, and the runner-up will take home N$100 000.
All players will also be awarded medals for their participation.
