Ester Mbathera
The ||Kharas Region will be heading to the 23rd edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup in Outjo this year with a squad that reflects the spread of football talent across the region.
The 2025 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup will take place in Outjo from 18 to 21 April.
The 20-man provisional team includes players from towns and villages such as Lüderitz, Keetmanshoop, Rosh Pinah, Bethanie, Oranjemund, Tses, Karasburg, Aroab, and Koës.
Coach Kallen Essau said the selection was based on performance and not geography.
“We did not select players just to include all the towns. We selected players based on what we see and the talent that we think we need for this competition,” he said.
Essau said the players were scouted from trials that were open to the entire region.
The final list includes two promising goalkeepers and standout players in defense and midfield who the coach believes could make the national under-20 or under-21 teams.
“Our two goalkeepers are very good. I think they have that quality to be part of the youth national team,” Essau said.
He added that the strength of the team’s left back and a centre-back is currently playing in the first division for a team from Oranjemund.
In midfield, Essau pointed to Peter Perkat and Elston Juanito Goliath as players who could also attract attention from junior national team coaches.
Essau described the Newspaper Cup as the top regional youth competition in the country.
“All regions have one aim, and that aim is to win the Newspaper Cup. That is the highest competition for youth football on a regional level,” he said.
He added that the tournament is a platform for young players to be scouted by Premier League clubs and national team selectors.
“It’s created for these boys to showcase the talent, to get that necessary exposure,” he said.
Essau encouraged parents to support youth involvement in sport.
“Education and sports go hand in hand. A child involved in sports is less likely to encounter problems,” he said.
During the launch of the cup, Nedbank spokesperson Selma Kaulinge emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports development.
“As money experts who do good, we believe in the power of sport to transform lives. By creating a conducive environment for young athletes to showcase their talent, we are investing in Namibia’s future sporting stars and leaders. Sports play a crucial role in keeping young people fit and healthy while steering them away from negative influences and other social ills,” she said.
