Underdogs get their chance in PstBet NFA Cup
Football
Reigning title holders Civics will face Swakopmund FC in the round of 32.
The pride of Walvis Bay and Oshakati football supporters ? Blue Waters FC and Eeshoke Chula Chula ? have been pitted against each other in the round of 32 of the PstBet NFA Cup, with dates still to be confirmed. These two were the only Namibia Premier Football League teams pitted against each other in a round full of lower division football teams.
The announcement was made at the official launch of the competition at the Windhoek Country Club yesterday.
Speaking at the launch, CEO and founder of Pstbet Namibia, Steve Hamunyela, said they were excited to be part of the historic competition and its place in the landscape of Namibian football.
“Teams from all regions participate in the same tournament with one common goal ? to win the ultimate prize of being crowned PstBet NFA Cup champions and an opportunity to participate on the continent.
“We are delighted to note that the current tournament has already successfully progressed to the round of 32, with notable and interesting surprise packages making it into this round.
“We cannot wait to kick off this round, because it will be action-packed and exciting,” Hamunyela said.
PsBet are sponsoring the competition with N$6 million for a period of one year, with the upcoming round also including the teams playing in the NFA FNB Women’s Super League.
“The 12 teams from the WSL will compete for the ultimate prize of N$250 000, while the men’s teams battle for the winning prize of N$500 000.
“As we enter the round of 32, we urge all teams and officials to remain disciplined and come with their A game so that we give the fans what they deserve, which is only the best of Namibian football,” Hamunyela remarked.
BIGGEST REACH
The competition gives an opportunity to around 6 960 players countrywide, competing for the dream honour of being named the Player of the PstBet NFA Cup Award in the men’s and women’s categories.
NFA vice-president Murs Markus lauded PstBet for coming on board and making the event a reality.
“The birth of the PstBet NFA is an intriguing story and the birth of the PstBet NFA Cup and its baptism today at this official launch and unveiling arouses the curiosity of everybody in football.
“This is an indication that the Executive Council of the NFA works beyond the call of duty to increase development, to increase professionalism at all levels of football, to increase the administrative levels, to increase revenue generation and ultimately make the NFA self-sustainable. But we are mindful that this is no easy task,” Markus said.
The draw was conducted with several teams still having to complete their preliminary round fixtures, while the women’s teams begin at the round of 12.
Some of the women’s teams will already be placed in the next round while others have to play it out to reach that group stage.
DRAW, round of 32, men’s fixtures:
Young Stars vs Okahandja United
Khomas Nampol vs Swallows
Young African vs Golden Bigs
Khaibasen/Robber Chanties vs African Stars
Julinho Sporting vs Friends
Eleven Arrows vs Mighty Gunners
Chula Chula vs Blue Waters
Oriza Sovita vs Kanaan/ Gerros Academy
Swakopmund FC vs Civics
FC Ongos vs Africa United
Unam Ogongo vs Tigers FC
Namutonsela vs Young Brazilians
Unam FC vs KK United
Air Masters vs Life Fighters
Sunrise vs Orlando Pirates
DRAW, NFA Cup Women’s fixtures:
Unam Bokkies vs Ongwediva Queens
Beauties FC vs V-Power Angels
Khomas Nampol FC vs Gals and Goals
Ongos Ladies vs Namib Daughters