Also known as: 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup · Newspaper Cup · Newspaper Cup tournament · the tournament · the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup · U20 Nedbank Newspaper Cup · the cup · The Namibian Newspaper Cup · the title · NNC · Nedbank/Namibian Newspaper Cup
Two-time champions Omusati region are preparing for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup youth tournament, to be held in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 5 April. Head coach Shipena Nakalondo expressed confidence in the squad's readiness despite being drawn alongside defending champions Kunene region.
Two-time champions Omusati region are preparing for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup youth tournament, to be held in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 5 April. Head coach Shipena Nakalondo expressed confidence in the squad's readiness despite being drawn alongside defending champions Kunene region.
The defending champions from Kunene and Kavango East regions will compete to retain their 2025 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup trophies in football and netball at the tournament being held in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 6 April, bringing together under-20 teams from all 14 regions of Namibia.
Metropolitan Namibia has committed N$140,000 to support young athletes from all 14 regions to participate in the 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, a youth football and netball tournament to be held in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 6 April. The contribution aims to remove barriers of distance and limited resources that prevent talented young athletes from competing.
The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup is presented as both a talent factory producing international players and an economic engine for host towns, generating revenue for local traders and small businesses while spurring infrastructure improvements that benefit communities long after the tournament ends. According to the Namibia Football Association's marketing director, the tournament also builds national identity by bringing young athletes from all 14 regions together.
Former Brave Warriors goalkeeper Danzyl Bruwer has questioned the fairness of player and coach selection for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, arguing that some players bypass the Governor's Cup trials and that established national coaches should not coach regional teams in a developmental tournament. He contends the selection process undermines the cup's intended purpose to develop players, officials, and coaches equally.
Erongo's regional netball team is aiming to improve on last year's showing at the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, with team manager Mathilde Nicolo emphasizing focus on youth development, structured training, and reaching the knockout stages. The squad features mostly new players and has received support from regional institutions and government, though Nicolo appeals for backing from local businesses.
The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, a youth football and netball tournament now in its 25th year, returns for Easter weekend in Keetmanshoop as a flagship corporate social responsibility project that boosts local economies, upgrades sports infrastructure, and has launched careers for young athletes.
The youth development tournament, bringing together under-20 football and netball teams from all 14 regions, is scheduled for 3–6 April in Keetmanshoop with over 1,000 players and delegates expected. Organisers say preparations are nearly complete, with infrastructure improvements including renovated facilities, new soccer fields and netball courts, and accommodation secured across local schools and town venues.
Windhoek High School's netball programme is competing in the annual Waterkloof Netball Festival in Pretoria, South Africa, with four age-group teams travelling to play 11 games over four days against top South African schools. Coach Sune Verdoes emphasises that the team's culture is built on defensive discipline, accountability, and mental resilience, with preparation including fitness work, skills development, and psychological sessions.
Kavango East Football Association aims to win the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup for the first time and see more of their players selected for the shadow under-20 national team. The region faces financial constraints that have hampered preparations, though they have retained experienced players from last year's runner-up squad.