Call for bids for Ongwediva school revives hope

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Call for bids for Ongwediva school revives hope Hope has been restored for those who have for years complained and eventually gave up hope on the new school in Ongwediva, set to be handed over in 2014.

This comes after the Oshana Regional Council last week placed a tender in a local daily newspaper calling for contractors to place bids for the renovations and completion of remaining works to Ongwediva Junior Secondary School.

Currently, the school is renting dilapidated church premises which are only about 500 metres from the new facility situated along the main road.

The learners and teachers endure broken windows, no electricity, and damaged ceilings and roofs which leak during the rainy season.

Namibian Sun also on several occasions reported on the N$39 million government project which was stalled because the contractor, Uukumwe Construction, abandoned the project which saw the contract terminated in 2016.

It is said that the absence of a sewerage system is the main problem at the new premises, as well as the incomplete school hall.

However, after the placement of the call for bids, the various stakeholders including the school management, parents and the community, are relieved.

Namibian Sun is also reliably informed that at the last parents' meeting a few months ago, the parents were prepared to stage a demonstration regarding the delay on the project.

When contacted for comment principal of the school, Immanuel Nepela said it is a relief.

Nepela said the wait has been long and that the parents and the community members who had given up hope are happy to know that progress is being made.

“Finally something is being done. Now there is light at the end of the tunnel because the people gave up hope long time ago,” he said.

Nepela however said that it is not the first time they had been promised progress on the project.

“What we don't want to see is empty promises,” Nepela said.

Earlier in 2016, during a visit to the school the deputy education minister Anna Nghipondoka expressed disappointment about the school's poor learning and teaching environment where she promised to look into the matter and said by the third semester last year, the school would be completed and handed over.

This did not materialise.

According to the advert, the prospective bidders are expected to be at a compulsory site visit today.

The due date for bids is 15 December.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Drivers warned to stop for motorcades

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Drivers warned to stop for motorcades Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga has warned drivers to follow the correct procedures when a state motorcade is passing, otherwise they will be committing an offence.

Following reports of road users refusing to give right of way to the presidential motorcade, VIP motorcades and emergency vehicles; Ndeitunga addressed and cautioned the public in this regard.

Ndeitunga said one of the functions of the police is to provide security and protection to both local and foreign VVIPs and VIPs in Namibia.

“This is in fact, the international norm and courtesy accorded to leaders worldwide and Namibia is no exception.”

He said the categories of VVIPs and VIPs using motorcades in the Namibian context include the president, his deputy, the prime minister, former heads of state and foreign eminent persons who have immunity of not stopping at intersections and traffic signs.

“A state motorcade will include two or more official motor vehicles travelling together for the purpose of conveying Namibian VIPs or foreign dignitaries. Such an escort is done by committing traffic police vehicles with visible blue lights, sirens to forewarn the public of the oncoming motorcade of the VIP to ensure safe passage, and unimpeded journey of the VIP,” said Ndeitunga. He said it therefore becomes an obligation for every citizen to respect and give the right of way to the motorcade to pass unimpeded, by stopping their vehicles.

According to Ndeitunga, on approach of a motorcade and during the passing of a motorcade every vehicle on the road must draw their vehicle to a halt at the extreme left of the road where the road is demarcated into one or two traffic lanes for direction of travel.

He said drivers must remain stationary and only proceed when instructed to do so by hand signals of a policeman or when the motorcade has passed.

“Where the road is not demarcated into traffic lanes for direction of travel, draw the vehicle to a halt at the extreme left of the road.”

Ndeitunga said no person driving a vehicle may overtake or attempt to overtake any vehicle in a motorcade.

“A person who contravenes these laid down procedures and regulations shall commit an offence.”

He further appealed to all road users to always stop and give right of way to any VVIP, VIP motorcade and any emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades or police quick response vehicles.

ELLANIE SMIT

It's much more than a race

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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It's much more than a raceDesert Dash spikes Swakopmund economy The Desert Dash is much more than a gruelling overnight trip through the mountains to the sea, on your bicycle. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



Many see the annual Nedbank Desert Dash competition just as a fun racing competition but it is much more than that.

The Dash has provided Swakopmund with plenty of economic boosts and also the Namibian health sector.

It has become a tradition for many athletes who are willing to paddle for their lives on the bumpy, mountainous route from Windhoek to Swakopmund.

From accommodation establishments literally bursting at the seams, to a surge in adventure tours and even booming butchery sales, Nedbank's Desert Dash makes a significant and wide ranging impact on the economy of the holiday town of Swakopmund.

Its impact on Namibia's economy as a whole is estimated to amount to a whopping N$20 million.

According to Thusnelda Araes, who deals with the reservations at Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre, not a single room is free at this popular refuge between 9 and 15 December this year.

They have no less than 90 rooms – 80 of which have been block-booked by large groups of people.

Equally, close to 200 bungalows managed by the Municipality of Swakopmund are filled to capacity for the Nedbank Desert Dash weekend.

By Friday, 24 November, Swakopmund Sands Hotel only had six of their 25 rooms free for Friday, 8 December, and only one room for the following day, and Victoria Valombola says they expect these to fill up as the international cycling bonanza draws nearer. “The majority of the bookings are Desert Dash people,” Araes said.

Tilla Naudé, who sees to it that guests at Strauss Holiday Flats and Bed and Breakfast are well nourished, said more than 50% of their flats have already been reserved more than two weeks before the Desert Dash.

Clarice Theys, who until recently managed a bed and breakfast from her home in the suburb of Vineta, says her experience has been that the Nedbank Desert Dash consistently results in a scramble for a place to stay because of its popularity and international appeal.

“The Desert Dash without a doubt makes a definite impact on the town's economy,” Theys noted.

Jessica Enslin from Abenteuer Afrika Safari has seen a surge in the number of adventure tours booked, particularly over the past two years.

Lala Bezuidenhout from Benguela Butchery, situated in the suburb of Tamariskia, says despite being busy over the December festive season in general, there is a noticeable peak during the weekend the cycling world and their loved ones make Swakopmund their home for the Nedbank Desert Dash.

According to Gabes Hevita from Bidvest Rent A Car, they usually do not have a single vehicle left that is up for grabs over that weekend. “Normally, between 8 and 15 December, all cars are booked,” he says.

Their busiest time is prior to and after the Nedbank Desert Dash, Alfons Kiesewetter from Cycles 4 U says.

Before the race, cyclists bring their bicycles to him and his team to get them ready and “afterwards, they come for a wash and a lube to clean their bikes”.

Kiesewetter says they experience a whopping 60% increase in their business activities as a direct result of the Nedbank Desert Dash.

Wesley Pieters, a lecturer from the University of Namibia (Unam) and a second-time Desert Dash participant, says from the perspective of a cyclist, the economic impact of the event on Swakopmund is multi-fold.

“Not only would the support vehicle have to be refuelled at the town, but participants spend money at the prize-giving event.

“Moreover, cyclists usually make their sore-body way to local massage parlours to have their aches and stiff muscles dealt with,” Pieters noted.

Andrew Resor a United Nations Peace Corp volunteer partnering with the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) in Swakopmund witnessed his first Desert Dash last year.

“I would say from an observer's perspective, there is a lot more economic activity over that weekend,” Resor noted.

Lionel Matthews, the managing director of Nedbank Namibia also spoke highly of the event.

“In the annals of Namibian cycling, December has come to be known as the month of the Nedbank Desert Dash, and the entire Nedbank family is immensely proud of our association with this truly iconic event.

“Following our first foray into the essence of this race last year, this time around we are ready to offer an even greater experience for race participants.”

Matthews added that their race organisers and co-sponsors have implemented some exciting new developments for the 2017 event, which include quite nifty innovations that will broaden both the scope and appeal of our second Dash.

“We all know cycling does well on so many levels. It is beneficial to the environment - with the lowest CO2 emissions of all forms of transport - it improves fitness, it's excellent for mental health and it brings people together in an active community.

“At Nedbank, we've been fortunate to be part of this community for the best part of three decades.”

Gernot de Klerk the head of marketing and communications said: “The Desert Dash is such an iconic race and very unique to Namibia, but also well known internationally.

“When we saw the opportunity, especially given the obvious disappointment amongst the cycling community, we decided to step up to the plate. We owed it to the public and the cyclist to continue with a race that has become a bucket-list event.”

De Klerk revealed that after several discussions with the creator of the Desert Dash, Aiden de Lange, and with the able guidance of Mannie Heymans and Leander Borg, they have managed to convince the relevant stakeholders that the Desert Dash will be in responsible hands and they have committed to be an anchor sponsor for five years.

The 13th edition of the competition will start at the Grove Mall on Friday, 8 December at 15:00, with the cut-off time slated for Saturday at 15:00.

Last year, Switzerland's Konny Looser won the male solo rider category while Germany's Rebecca Robisch was the top female solo rider. Looser clocked a time of 14 hours, 37 minutes and 45 seconds, while Robisch finished in 17 hours, 18 minutes and 10 seconds.

Looser was followed by German Andreas Seewald who clocked 14:7:45, and Adele de la Rey of Namibia came second behind Rebecca Robisch in a time of 18:47:28.

Namibian Anri Parker was the third woman home in 21:31:27, while Jaco Davel of South Africa clocked 15:42:19 to finish third in the men's category.

Esau launches fishing strategy for next five years

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Esau launches fishing strategy for next five yearsBlue economy targeted The plan envisages Namibia as a key fisheries and processing hub in the South Atlantic Ocean. WALVIS BAY – Namibia’s N$1.3 billion fishing strategy for the next five years was launched last week.

According to Bernhard Esau, the minister of fisheries and marine resources, the document was developed by staff at the ministry in coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister. It forms part of the domestication of government policies and plans and is in line with Vision 2030, the Fifth National Development Plan and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.

Esau said 90% of the budget will be spent on operational activities, while the remaining 10% is geared for development capital projects.

One of three desired outcomes enshrined in the plan is the implementation of a blue economy governance and management system that sustainably maximises economic benefits from marine resources and ensures equitable marine wealth is distributed among all Namibians by 2020.

The ministry also aims to achieve significant sustainable and efficient utilisation of natural resources, maximise and share the benefits equitably by 2022.

The plan envisages Namibia as a key fisheries and processing hub in the South Atlantic Ocean through increasing the volume of fish handled, canned and otherwise processed at Walvis Bay cumulatively by 40% by 2022.

To achieve these outcomes, the ministry together with all its stakeholders, will encourage scientific advice on the sustainable management of the marine ecosystem and strengthen compliance with fisheries legislation, Esau said.

He added that the development of a blue economy policy and legal framework and strengthening the development of aquaculture while also improving the contribution of value added exports to national economy will be key to the successful implementation of the plan.

The plan also aims to increase employment creation within the fisheries sector.

“I wish to reiterate that our private sector will play a key role in the realisation of the aspirations of this strategic plan. As a ministry we shall set the total allowance catches and other management measures, and the private sector shall land the fish, add value and create the much-needed Namibian jobs,” he said. - Nampa

Fuel prices up again

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Fuel prices up again The ministry of mines and energy has announced that fuel prices will increase, again.

This marks the third straight increase in fuel prices across the board since the beginning of a hiking cycle first witnessed in September. Fuel prices will now increase by 50 cents for both unleaded petrol and all grades of diesel, according to mines and energy minister Obeth Kandjoze who announced the increase expected to take effect on 6 December just after midnight.

With the upward adjustment in fuel prices, motorists in Walvis Bay will pay N$11.70 for a litre of unleaded petrol, N$11.73 per litre for 500 ppm diesel and N$11.78 per litre for 50 ppm diesel.

The increase in the fuel price was driven by South African rand weaknesses against the US dollar according to Kandjoze. He explained that fuel prices were increasing together with the US dollar, the official currency in which fuel purchases are made while the South African rand, to which the Namibian dollar is linked, weakened.

“The exchange rate between the Namibian dollar against the greenback has not been favourable. Oil is priced in US dollar and the exchange rate during the period under review has played a major role,” he said.

Because of the strengthening of the US dollar, oil importing countries like Namibia will now feel the brunt of the increase.

“During the period under review, the average price for a refined barrel of oil was US$73 for both, petrol and diesel. This is US$5 higher than last month's average of US$68 per barrel. This is a substantial increase within a short period of time and its impact on oil-importing countries is severe,” Kandjoze said.

The depreciation of the local dollar also meant that fuel retailers in Namibia will have to pay more to import fuel, thus affecting pump prices which lead to the 50-cent adjustment.

“A heavy depreciation was recorded during the month of November, from an average of N$13.7 in October to a whopping N$14.10 in November. This means that oil companies have paid more in terms of the local currency in November compared to October, to bring fuel to our shores,” Kandjoze said.

OGONE TLHAGE

Keetmans fast tracks land delivery

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Keetmans fast tracks land deliveryInnovative PPP allows for two new extensions Keetmanshoop is set to develop two new extensions, the first being Extension 5, with serviced plots, in a bid to boost investment. The Keetmanshoop municipality has responded to the president's call to innovate in terms of land delivery.

The Keetmanshoop Town Council has agreed to sell 764 square metres of land to fast track land delivery in the town.

Council minutes of a 31 October meeting show that approval was given to Harmonic Town Planning as the lead developer on the project.

The sale, however, is still subject to approval by urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa.

Harmonic Town Planning applied to council on 8 September to be considered for a technical partnership to fast track the development of the subdivision on erf 1723 Keetmanshoop, Noordhoek Extension, which is now referred to as Extension 5.

The partnership aims to deliver land and sufficient erven in different areas to facilitate investment in Keetmanshoop.

“Land delivery is a long, bureaucratic and tedious process that takes a minimum of six years to deliver serviced plots from inception. Projects that start now will only deliver land in six years' time. A lack of serviced plots today is as a result of poor decisions made six years ago,” the proposal said.

In contrast to the traditional private-public-partnership, the technical partnership does not take an equity stake in the project.

“Council remains the sole owner of the land and all profits accrue to council. The technical partners are paid their normal fees in terms of government regulations and approved fees.”

According to the minutes, the number of erven in Extension 5 has increased to 367 and therefore it has become necessary to proclaim two extensions as only 350 erven per extension is permitted by the Deeds Office.

The proposal stated that the development of Extension 5 will be much quicker than the new extension as the need and desirability for the establishment of the township was already received.

It said that the projected income from the project is N$66.2 million while the projected cost is about N$56.9 million. This leaves a profit of about 9.3 million.

However, concern was raised about the risk involving a partnership and the fact that the profit margin would only be N$9 million, which has to be divided between the council, the developer and the interest be paid to the financer.

The council agreed, after weighing all the risks, that it would better to sell the plot to the developer.

The council thus resolved to allocate Extension 5 to the developer's team to do the necessary investigations, re-design layout and services in consultation with council, management of the project, site supervision, contract administration and the sale of the erven to the beneficiaries.

It also resolved that council provides un-serviced vacant land at N$40 per square metre to the developer and that the public open spaces still remain in the ownership of council.

ELLANIE SMIT

New blood in Swapo politburo

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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New blood in Swapo politburo The Swapo Central Committee on Saturday elected new members to the politburo of the ruling party.

The new members include newly-elected Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa, who is an automatic choice by virtue of her position, but did not serve in the last structure.

The new additions include environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, economic planning deputy minister Lucia Ipumbu, businessman Tobie Aupindi and deputy veterans minister Hilma Nikanor. Cabinet ministers Bernardt Esau, Doreen Sioka and Calle Schlettwein also made the cut. The central committee also voted deputy gender minister Lucia Witbooi, Kavango West governor Sirrka Ausiku as well as Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi and National Council Chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams to the politburo. Long-serving cabinet ministers Alpheus !Naruseb, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, John Mutorwa and Albert Kawana were also retained on the Swapo politburo. Former Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba, education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa and Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua will also continue as politburo members. President Hage Geingob is expected to appoint two central committee members to the politburo as provided for in the ruling party's constitution. Former Swapo presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba are permanent members of the structure, which among others is responsible for policy formulation in the period between central committee meetings.

Geingob appoints CC members

Meanwhile, earlier in the day Geingob named his six appointments to the Swapo central committee. The presidential appointees included Schlettwein, labour minister Erkki Nghimtina and his defence counterpart Penda Ya Ndakolo as well as deputy minister Christina Hoebes. Collien van Wyk and Jennelly Matundu from Kunene Region were also appointed to the central committee. Matundu, who is 35 years old, is the youngest member of the current central committee. “I am happy that I made it and it is something big for me,” Matundu told Namibian Sun on Saturday. “I am a hardworking person who is always committed to party activities and a comrade who is always there for the party.” Matundu has been Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) district secretary for Opuwo Urban since 2012. She is currently employed as chief liaison officer for the ministry of gender in Kunene.

Women's football ignites Gobabis

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Women's football ignites GobabisKhomas Nampol beat Tura Magic Tura Magic and Khomas Nampol showed that women's football in Namibia is reaching higher levels with a fine display of football in Gobabis. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



Khomas Nampol coach Novata Paulus says that their entire team must become the women senior national team after beating Tura Magic 2-1 in the final of the NFA Women Super Cup.

The match served as the curtain raiser for the final between Young African and Mighty Gunners in Gobabis at the Legare Stadium on Saturday.

Khomas Nampol FC played against a star-studded Tura Magic which included the likes of former European-based player Zenatha Coleman.

“Their team has been training every day, but we hardly train because we have to protect the nation.

“I think the girls showed that they are able to form an entire women's national team.

“We do not even have the facilities, but we showed that we can be a very successful side if more support is given to us.”

Khomas Nampol took the lead after Faustina Amutenya bullied her way through the Tura Magic's defence producing a cool finish to take the score to 1-0.

Khomas Nampol continued to push for more goals, while the Tura Magic's defence struggled to deal with the physical strength of Amutenya.

Magic, however, recovered and started playing linkage play which had the Nampol team on the back foot.

Coleman's class finally started showing as she dazzled past her opponents with ease.

Brave Gladiators Thomalina Adams scored a screamer of a goal with a pile driver for Tura Magic to bring the scores level to 1-1 just before halftime.

The teams were level going into halftime with both sides missing goal scoring chances.

The second half was far from balanced and exciting with many stoppages as the game became scrappy. Khomas Nampol survived several scares by Tura Magic who were searching for a second goal.

The Namibian police team, however, got lucky and were awarded a penalty which veteran Shirley Cloete converted to give her side a 2-1 lead.

Efforts from Tura Magic to rescue the game went astray resulting in a 2-1 victory by Khomas Nampol.

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Pule leads Clever Boys to TKO victory

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Pule leads Clever Boys to TKO victory Vincent Pule scored a 90th minute winner as Bidvest Wits were crowned 2017 Telkom Knockout champions following a 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Saturday evening.

The second-half substitute converting from close range to break Siwelele hearts in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

Victory secured only a third League Cup win for the Clever Boys and a first since 1995.

The early exchanges were rather uneventful in terms of goalmouth action as both teams struggled to find any sort of rhythm. There was no shortage of desire, though, as both sets of players got stuck in with a lot of physicality on display.

Bidvest Wits looked the most likely to open the scoring and having threatened to find a way in behind the Siwelele defence, they finally did just that in the 26th minute and were only denied the opener due to the woodwork.

Frank Mhango's driving run was almost rewarded with a goal as the ball deflected off Wandisile Letlabika and onto the one post, across to the other, without crossing the line. Daylon Claasen looked sure to hammer home the rebound, but he failed to do so with the goal at his mercy.

The stroke of luck sparked Celtic into life as they went in search of the opening goal and almost found it in added time, but Ndumiso Mabena could only succeed in directing his shot straight at Darren Keet, following a scramble in the penalty area.

- SuperSport

Shining Light award winners announced

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Shining Light award winners announcedRichardlee Shoombe clinches Namibian prize Finalists from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa were selected from more than 130 entries. Through the Shining Light Awards, Forevermark is pleased to support the careers and learning experiences of emerging jewellery designers from southern Africa. - Stephen Lussier, CEO: Forevermark Staff reporter - De Beers Group announced the winners of the 2016/17 Shining Light Awards: The De Beers Young Jewellery Designers Skills Development Initiative, at a red-carpet event at the Country Club last week Thursday.

The awards, which recognise and celebrate emerging jewellery designers in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, provide entrants with a valuable platform to build their careers in the jewellery design industry.

Entrants were required to design commercially-viable jewellery collections that demonstrated an artistic interpretation of this year’s theme, ‘Protecting Nature’s Beauty’. The theme was chosen by Forevermark, the diamond brand from De Beers Group, in recognition of the company’s commitment to biodiversity, conservation and sustainability.

Finalists from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa were selected from more than 130 entries for their outstanding jewellery designs and unique interpretation of the theme. Following the final judging, the winners from each country are Mbako Baraedi (Botswana), Richardlee Shoombe (Namibia) and Andile Mbeje (South Africa).

Shoombe enrolled at the age of 12 at the Arts Performance Centre at Tsumeb. He sees himself as a visual arts educator and loves learning. His collection, "It Begins with Us", drew inspiration from the idea that human emotions can be a driving force for artistic expression and positive change, especially towards protecting nature.

For Namibia, Frans Uunona was the first runner-up, while Taleni Udeiko was named as second runner-up.

The first-place winners will receive a 12-month apprenticeship at the Forevermark Design and Innovation Centre in Milan, Italy, where they will have the opportunity to work alongside jewellery designers with one of the world’s fastest growing diamond brands.

The first runners-up will receive a three-month internship at the same Forevermark Design and Innovation Centre, while the second runners-up will be enrolled in a jewellery design skills development programme at a local university.

Opportunity

Pat Dambe, the vice-president of corporate affairs and government relations at the De Beers Global Sightholder Sales, said that the winners would have an opportunity to advance their skills.

“We are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Shining Light Awards, which provide a fantastic platform for emerging jewellery designers in southern Africa to showcase their skills, and which plays an important role in nurturing design talent in diamond-producing countries. Each winner will now have the opportunity to further advance their skills through industry exposure and training, and we can’t wait to see where the future takes them,” said Dambe.

Stephen Lussier, the executive vice-president for marketing at the De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, said the winners would have the opportunity to work alongside the best designers in the world.

“Through the Shining Light Awards, Forevermark is pleased to support the careers and learning experiences of emerging jewellery designers from southern Africa, and provide them with the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the global jewellery design industry by working alongside designers at one of the world’s fastest growing diamond brands,” said Lussier.

Chief Santos saga is a no-brainer

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Chief Santos saga is a no-brainer The first time when the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) announced that they were going to give money in advance to clubs I was already worried.

At the start of the campaign, funds to the value of N$260 000 were distributed to each team in the premier league for the months of September, October November and December.

The funds were set to cover transport cost and the remuneration of players.

I was worried that some of these clubs would not use this money wisely because of a lack of management structures.

Claims have emerged that the copper town team Chiefs Santos have not paid the salaries of their players for almost two months.

Players decided to go on strike about three weeks ago because of the situation.

However Chiefs Santos was saved by the fact that Nafpu secretary-general Olsen Kahiriri intervened and urged the players not to strike.

If Kahiriri had not intervened, the club would have probably aborted some matches due to a lack of players.

It was shocking but actually, a no-brainer because in Namibia, things are at times done in an unprofessional manner when it comes to football matters.

That is why I believe and urge clubs to set up proper structures to avoid something of that nature happening again.

My fear continues that Chief Santos may not be the only club that will have this situation before the end of the season.

The lack of payments in salaries in the Namibia Premier League has been all too common and continues to shroud our beautiful game.

Last season, Orlando Pirates players created a heavy protest when the club failed to pay their salaries.

The problem is that several clubs are managed by only one person and this could really have implications as to how they handle their finances.

It is important that these clubs secure external sponsorships which can cut several financial burdens on the club.

Money coming from sponsorships will likely help the clubs acquire the services of accountants to manage the books of these clubs.

The fact that the beautiful game is not played at a good level when players are not getting their salaries troubles me.

These players have families to support and it is therefore unacceptable that they do not get their salaries on time.

It would have been understandable if the club said it had not received any money, but the fact that it did gives me every reason to slam their leadership.

I would also like to thank those clubs that have maintained paying their players on time.

It is always very important for those clubs because one can see from the results in the premier league this season and the happiness on the players' faces.

It is very important that we keep the momentum of the premier league going in order to attract more sponsors.

The negativity that surrounds a club like Chief Santos could place them into further turmoil.

I believe that potential sponsors might turn a blind eye towards the beautiful game if they continue reading articles about players not receiving their salaries and mismanagement of funds.

MTC gave a stern warning at the start of the campaign that they were not going to tolerate any mismanagement of funds within the Namibia Premier League.

It is with this that I also urge the Namibia Premier League officials to monitor the situation at clubs.

It is important that the NPL officials do thorough investigations as to what transpired in the Chief Santos saga.

Meanwhile, the Namibia Football Players Union must continue playing their part to represent these players during this difficult time.



jesse@namibiansun.com



Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Mbaeva hopes for CHAN glory

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Mbaeva hopes for CHAN gloryKeeper is unavailable Namibia's football national team has been pitted against some of Africa's toughest nations in the African Nation Champions (CHAN). Namibia national team goal keeper, Maximilian Mbaeva, says he hopes that his fellow teammates can bring the CHAN trophy home.

The keeper, who currently plies his trade with South African Premiership club Golden Arrows will not be up for selection as the tournament only allows locally based players.

The keeper however assured this newspaper that he will be with the team in spirit.

“I will not be playing, but I still hope that our team wins the competition in January.

“Mannetti is a fantastic coach and I know that he will bring the best out of the players to represent the country at CHAN.

“I will keep the boys in my prayers with the hope that they do the nation proud,” Mbaeva said.

He admitted that the competition will be very competitive even if only local based players are allowed to play.

The tournament, slated for January 2018, will see the 2015 Cosafa champions playing Zambia, Uganda and African powerhouse Ivory Coast in the group stages.

The fifth edition of the CHAN finals will be held in Morocco, with 16 teams competing for the grand prize of U$1.25 million (N$16.2 million).

All the teams which qualified to the tournament received N$2.2 million for their heroic efforts.

Namibia qualified to the competition after beating Zimbabwe and the Comoros in the qualifying rounds.

Morocco heads Group A and will face Sudan, Guinea and Mauritania in Casablanca while Namibia and company will contest in Marrakech.

Libya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea are in Group C and will play in Tangier while in Agadir; Group D will take centre stage with Angola, Cameroon, Congo and Burkina Faso.

The quarterfinals will be played on 27 and 28 January, whilst the semi-finals will be held on 31 January 2018.

The third-place match will be on 3 February and the grand finale is slated for 4 February 2018 at the newly refurbished Mohamed V Complex in Casablanca.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Road carnage claims 7 lives

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Road carnage claims 7 livesOutjo pupils among those killed Road carnage continued on the country's roads this past weekend, claiming seven lives, including those of three school-going children. Three Grade 8 learners of the Etoshapoort Junior Secondary School in Outjo died instantly after a vehicle they were travelling in overturned and rolled several times on the Outjo-Otavi gravel road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The dead have been identified as 19-year-old Ronaldo Mukuyu, Seth Goreseb, 18, and Ricky Small Aukumeb, 16.

The accident happened approximately 30 km northeast of Outjo at about 01:00.

The police spokesperson in the Otjozondjupa Region, Warrant Officer Maureen Mbeha told Nampa upon enquiry there were four occupants in the vehicle, and a 16-year-old classmate of the three deceased persons survived the accident with minor injuries.

It is suspected the driver, Goreseb, lost control over the vehicle, causing it to overturn.

“Preliminary police investigations indicate that the learners allegedly took the car keys and drove away without the consent of the owner,” said Mbeha.

The Erongo police have also released the names of the four who died in the crash on the C34 road on Saturday morning. The crash occurred near the B2 intersection.

Erongo police Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu said Monzil McNab (24), Jaco Goliath (25) and Solomon Alfonzo Winfred (27) died at the scene while Izolda Belies (24) succumbed in a Swakopmund hospital.

“Clinton Wotan Kisting (35) is the only survivor. He is in a critical but stable condition at the Swakopmund State Hospital. He is the car's owner and it is believed that he was driving when the accident happened. We are investigating a case of culpable homicide.

“The driver allegedly overtook a truck at a high speed and lost control. The vehicle left the road and overturned.”

Originally the police reported that the vehicle was a Mercedes-Benz but later corrected that statement saying the vehicle was a BMW.



Baby kidnapped

Meanwhile, in the Kavango West Region, a one-month-old baby was kidnapped by a woman on Thursday at around 14:30 at Nankudu State Hospital.

According to the police the baby was kidnapped by a woman from Kahenge village.

The baby's mother, a 15-year-old Angolan national, left the child in the care of her 11-year-old niece while she was receiving medical attention.

The police said that the suspect was in the same ward and sent the girl who was left with the baby to go buy her bread and a cold drink at a nearby shop.

Upon the girl's return the suspect had run away with the baby.

The police was notified immediately and a search was launched and the suspect was apprehended.

In a separate incident on Friday at around 03:20 at the Mariental Wimpy restaurant, a 17-year-old boy was arrested with 13 parcels of cannabis weighing 3.27kg. The value was N$33 000.

In Rehoboth three suspects were arrested with drugs on Thursday to the value of N$1 200.

They were found with two full mandrax tablets, three half mandrax tablets and 82 balies of dagga after a police search was conducted.

The suspects are aged 35, 28 and 25.

In yet another drug related incident on Thursday at the farm Benade's Pan in the Rehoboth district a man was found in possession of 19 cannabis plants after a police search was conducted.

The value of the items is not known and he was not arrested.

Also at about 16:30 near Natis in Lüderitz a vehicle was stopped by the traffic officials and after searching it, 150 mandrax tablets was found to the value of N$9 000.

The suspect is 51-years-old and he was arrested.



STAFF REPORTERS AND NAMPA

Focus mining beneficiation upstream

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Focus mining beneficiation upstreamMiners are not manufacturers According to Rowland Brown government has since independence placed focus on value addition but without much success; when it comes to beneficiation Namibia is missing key factors. You would ... not force a farmer to turn the meat he is producing on the farm to a pre-cooked meal on a shop shelf. - Rownland Brown, economist Elvira Hattingh - If government wants to develop successful downstream mineral beneficiation industries in Namibia, a sufficient infrastructure, an investment climate and a regulatory framework that incentivise investment in smelting, refining and manufacturing are needed.

At the launch of the Institute for Public Policy Research’s (IPPR) paper on beneficiation in mining on Thursday economist Rowland Brown said the popular quote that Namibia consumes what it does not produce and produce what it does not consume, is somewhat misleading.

During the launch of the paper, Beneficiation in Namibia: Impacts, Constraints and Options, he said it is a common perception that Namibia should be able to take anything produced locally through to a final consumption product.

“The problem with this is that it misses a very basic economic principle, namely that of specialisation.

“Most people did not build the car they drive with, but have decided to specialise in a different area and buy a car from the experts who do specialise in building cars. The same applies when it comes to value addition,” Brown said.

MINERS DO NOT MANUFACTURE

He said currently we try to force miners to manufacture, in other words, to use the products they produce and take them further down the value chain.

“You would, for example, not force a farmer to turn the meat he is producing on the farm to a pre-cooked meal on a shop shelf.

“When it comes to mining, we try to force miners to manufacture goods – an area where they do not have any expertise in.

“When it comes to Namibia and certain minerals, opportunities for value addition exist, but there are a number of challenges why we struggle to be competitive among other countries in the world, even if we have the inputs.”

According to the paper, Namibia has identified beneficiation opportunities for the mining industry, which include steelmaking and gold refining. However, even though there is potential for these operations, the commercial viability and sustainability of each prospective beneficiation activity needs to be examined within this context to determine whether it should be pursued.

Some opportunities, such as chlor-alkali production, can be implemented successfully to meet some local demand, but are unlikely to succeed at export level.

CHALLENGES TO BENIFICATION

According to Brown government has since independence placed focus on value addition but without much success.

He said when it comes to beneficiation Namibia is missing key factors.

“There are three main challenges for value addition – which is also true for other parts of the economy.

“The first is an unfriendly policy environment for both mining and manufacturing. These take large capital investment upfront and then it takes time to see returns on the investment. Thus investors need a great deal of policy certainty.”

He showed that in the Fraser’s Institute survey of mining companies, Namibia has in the last two years gone from the second most attractive investment jurisdiction for mining on the continent to the ninth place.

“This, coupled with many disincentives for mining such as punitive measures if you export a raw product instead of taking it through to a final product ready for consumption, is what damages our ability to add value in this country.”

“We also have a number of challenges when it comes to infrastructure. Take for example electricity. We have not, for a very long time, added to our generation capacity of electricity.

“Currently the vast majority of our energy comes from imports. We import nearly N$3 billion worth of power every year. We try to force miners to add value to a product while our own energy company can import electricity at a great cost.”

He said the local production of electricity is an opportunity for massive savings and huge value, apart from the fact that we would have more control over the price and availability of electricity. This, in turn, will enable manufacturers to do better at value addition.

“Also, when it comes to water, mines are the second largest users of water. However, the capacity of dams has not been increased over an extended period of time. New mines opening often struggle to get the water they need – Husab mine is a good example.

“Coupled with supply shortages, costs are being driven up. This makes it difficult for the mines to compete internationally.

“Also, more than 90% of the railway lines we have today were already built by 1952, which means we have aged infrastructure.

“The third major challenge is that much of the infrastructure needed for value addition is incredibly expensive.

“Take uranium as an example. A few years ago it was estimated that building an enricher as well as a nuclear power plant would cost more than what the total GDP of Namibians is.

“It does not make sense if you build this infrastructure, then only add about 3% value to the product and also only employ a few highly trained and skilled experts from other countries, as Namibia doesn’t have the required skills.”

Brown said the same applies to diamonds and gold when it comes to value addition. “One step down the value chain will cost a huge amount of money and does not add much additional value. This type of manufacturing rarely leads to addressing unemployment.

“In many instances, taking the product one step down the line you may actually be destroying value - if you can’t do it efficiently. This is what we see with local diamond manufacturing. The cutting and polishing is actually destroying value rather than adding, due to our own inefficiencies in the system.”

OPPORTUNITIES

Brown said there are positives when it comes to mining beneficiation.

“There are enormous opportunities upstream. Many local mines use similar inputs such as safety wear, production chemicals and machinery parts – these are economies of scale we can capture.

“In 2016 mines in Namibia procured goods and services to the value of N$12 billion from Namibian-registered firms, compared to just N$6,5 billion on external or international procurement.”

He added that the conversion of sulphuric acid at the Tsumeb smelter, which is then made available to other local mines, demonstrates a successful upstream beneficiation link.

Big stink over Oshana toilet tender

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Big stink over Oshana toilet tender The Oshana Regional Council is unable to explain how funds, aimed at the construction of toilets under the Harambee Prosperity Plan, went missing without the contractor, currently under duress to complete the project, being paid.

Towards the end of last year, the council received N$2.3 million to construct 230 toilets. The tender was awarded to GAB Investment to construct the toilets to the tune of N$1.9 million. However, all the money has disappeared.

This left GAB Investment, an SME, in a dilemma to complete the remaining 140 of the 230 toilets within three weeks. GAB Investment's operations were already negatively impacted by the closure of the now liquidated SME Bank where the company had received its start-up funds.

The missing funds were realised when the council wanted to pay GAB Investment for work completed.

According the report by the rural sanitation division in the region, when the invoices were submitted during October, it was established that there was no money in the account.

This is despite the fact that the regional council received N$2.3 million and only contracted GAB Investment for N$1.9 million.





The company was awarded the tender after other contractors withdrew their expression of interest because they could not afford to construct a toilet for less than N$10 000, as stipulated in the tender conditions.

Under the Harambee Prosperity Plan, the government is constructing 50 000 rural toilets to eliminate the bucket system by the end of this year.





Each region is required to construct cheap toilets and VIP latrines at no more than N$10 000 per toilet.

The VIP latrines operate just like the traditional toilets in villages.

Of the 230 toilets, which were supposed to be completed by the end of this month, GAB Investment, which was awarded the tender last year December, only completed 126 toilets.

According to GAB Investment's owner Gabriel Gabes he started the project with monies loaned from the SME Bank and after it shut its doors, he began to experience financial challenges which have been exacerbated by the non-payment from the regional council.

The regional council confirmed this.

“The contractor began to experience financial challenges following the closure of the SME Bank where he obtained his commencement funds. He owes the supplier N$400 000 for the first supply of 115 toilets. GAB Investment and the supplier had entered into an agreement for the supplier to continue with the supply of the outstanding 104 toilets and payment will be made into their (supplier) account. They were all called to the regional council's office to confirm their agreement,” the report says.

“Unfortunately, upon submitting invoices to the finance department in October, we were informed that there was no money in that account. Now the two divisions, finance and sanitation, are investigating how the money went missing while the project is still not completed,” the report continued.

According to Gabes, the project has been a disaster from the beginning because of the financial conditions that were indicated in the tender and which forced him to quote the regional council N$1.9 for the 230 toilets at N$8 500 per toilet.

He said that he was happy when he got the tender in December last year.

However, things turned sour when work began.

“When I received the tender award letter indicating that I am the one to construct all the 230 toilets in the region I was happy. Later I realised that I under-quoted and there is no way I could build these toilets for less than N$10 000 each. Materials to construct one toilet already cost about N$10 000, excluding labour and transportation,” Gabes said.

The contractor is now struggling to complete the work adding that he feels he has taken the worst decision of his business career.

He also added that the region is too large and it is another challenge on its own for the transportation of materials and employees.

“Toilet materials cost N$900 000, cement and bricks cost N$500 000 and then there is still transport, and I have to pay people working for me. This was the worst risk and it is not easy for me at all. It is as though I volunteered to do the work for the government,” he said.

The tender included constructing toilets in all eleven constituencies of Oshana. This included 45 at Okaku, 35 at Okatana, 11 at Ompundja, 24 at Ondangwa Rural, nine at Ondangwa Urban, 32 at Ongwediva, 18 at Oshakati East, nine at Oshakati West, 29 at Uukwiyuushona and 10 at Uuvudhiya.

So far all the toilets in the eight constituencies are completed except at Okatana, Ongwediva and Uuvudhiya, where not a single toilet has been constructed yet, and nine are still short at Okaku and two at Ondangwa Rural.



ILENI NANDJATO

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Shaningwa wields the long knives

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Shaningwa wields the long knivesBig stink over Oshana toilet tender The new ruling party leadership has been accused of carrying out purges against local authority councillors who reportedly didn't back them at the congress. The new Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa is accused of orchestrating a purge designed to demote local authority councillors judged to have opposed her election at the ruling party's congress last week.

On the City of Windhoek council, Shaningwa has directed that deputy mayor Fransina Kahungu be demoted to an ordinary councillor and replaced with Teckla Uwanga.

The secretary-general also asked changes to be made to the management committee of the City of Windhoek.

The youthful Emmanuel Paulus was demoted from being a member of the management committee to an ordinary councillor. Paulus was replaced by Loide Kaiyamo. Both Paulus and Kahungu supported President Hage Geingob's rivals at the sixth Swapo congress.

Shaningwa, who defeated Oshikoto regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu, was part of the Geingob slate.

Shaningwa also asked the office-bearers to retain Muesee Kazapua as mayor of the City of Windhoek.

Kazapua is now serving three uninterrupted years as City of Windhoek mayor following his first election in 2014 when he took over from Agnes Kafula.

The management committee of the City will still be headed by Matheus Amadhila for another year, with long-serving councillor Moses Shiikwa, Matrid Ukeva, Agatha Iiyambo and Kaiyamo completing the line-up.

Swapo councillors serving on local authority councils are accountable to the party's district executive committees and do not report directly to the secretariat of the ruling party.

The new City of Windhoek council was sworn in on Friday.

At Walvis Bay, Swapo has demoted deputy mayor Hilka Erastus to an ordinary councillor, while the chairperson of the management committee Tobias Nambala will also be removed from his high-profile council seat.

Nambala will become an ordinary councillor and will be replaced by current management committee member Ndishoshili Nghilumbwa. The youthful Nghilumbwa campaigned strongly for Geingob and his slate prior to the Swapo elective congress.





Ordinary councillor Penelope Martin is expected to take over as deputy mayor from Erastus.

The Walvis Bay swearing-in ceremony will take place tomorrow, Namibian Sun understands.

Approached for comment, Nambala accused the Swapo national leadership of sowing division.

“This similar directive was forwarded in 2015 by Cde Mbumba (former Swapo SG Nangolo Mbumba) and it was discussed at congress and agreed that the constitutional violations should stop, but it is a bad precedent if it is allowed by those in executive positions of the party. That causes unnecessary division and it is bad going forward.

“The SG should really exercise leadership irrespective of how much she does not approve of other comrades' existence on this God-given earth,” he said.

At Tsumeb, Swapo demoted mayor Veueza Kasiringua to an ordinary councillor, with Mathews Hangula named as her replacement.

Defensive

Shaningwa, who is barely a week in office, defended the party's decision to effect changes at some local authorities, saying there was no truth to purge claims.

“I don't know who was supporting me and who was not. It is not the first time such changes are being made. Those people are still council members and changes were only made in the leadership,” she told Namibian Sun at the weekend.

Shaningwa who served as line minister responsible for local and regional authorities, however, called for the status quo to remain at other towns countrywide.

She asked towns in Ohangwena, the two Kavango regions, Zambezi, Omusati, Oshana, Kunene, //Karas, Hardap, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa to ensure that they maintain the status quo.

“Subsequent to my circular letter to all Swapo Party regional coordinators, dated 30 November 2017, I hereby direct the regional offices herein cited that the status quo should remain and that you should proceed with the process of swearing in of the local authority office-bearers,” she said.



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Young African emerge as champs

December 3, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Young African emerge as champsSun sets on Gunners The NFA Debmarine Namibia Cup final produced one of the most memorable moments in football history with a 3-2 win by Young African. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



It was all but emotional scenes at the Legare Stadium in Gobabis as Young African came from a goal down to stun Mighty Gunners 3-2 in the final of the NFA Debmarine Namibia Cup on Saturday afternoon.

Young African boss Marley Ngarizemo could not contain his emotions following a hard-fought victory over a resilient Mighty Gunners.

“I am very happy for the team because I think they played very well in a difficult game for us.

“Tough luck for Mighty Gunners because I think they also played well and gave us many problems throughout the match.

“What stood out for us was that we were able to contain the pressure for most of the game,” Ngarizemo said.

He also hopes that the win is a beginning of new things for the team and he hopes they will continue with their fairy-tale run in the league.

The Legare Stadium was packed with football-crazy fans who ran onto the pitch as soon as the referee blew the final whistle.

However, it took almost more than 20 minutes before Young African began to put good passes together following an early goal by Gunner's Vernon Classen to silence the Gobabis crowd.

The nerves got the better of the young side with their midfield appearing wobbly and nervous.

Gunners clearly showed that they were playing a pressing game which kept the Gobabis side in their own half.

As the game progressed, the pressure that Gunners had put in, began to drop allowing space for Young African to penetrate.

Albert Mutjavikua gave the home side hope with a close range header 32 minutes in the game to bring the scores level to 1-1.

The goal seemed to have stunned Gunners who were sitting in their own half trying to avoid another goal.

African however waived off attack after attack as the crowd got louder at the end of the first half.

Their perseverance eventually paid off with a goal from former Tura Magic striker Semfried Maharero who preyed on sloppy play by the Gunners backline to slot the ball home as African took a 2-1 lead into halftime.

Coming into the second half, Young African were expecting to waive more attacks given the boost they got going into halftime.

Gunners, however, showed that they have more experience and started playing long aerial balls which troubled the Young African defence.

Gabriel David of Mighty Gunners pushed the game into extra time with a header towards the end of the game to bring the scores to 2-2.

With many players having given their all, it was a fatigued extra 30 minutes with some players suffering from cramp.

The home side, however, had the final say of the game as Salatuel Kaunatjike's deflected shot went over the Gunners keeper and inside the net.

The noise from the stands was elevated to the next level and Gunners players appeared all but inconsolable as the referee blew the final whistle.

“I am impressed with how the players played, but we missed crucial chances and that cost us the game,” Gunners coach Gerhardt Hengari said.

Debmarine Namibia said that they were happy with the tournament and the fact that it had benefited many people in the area.

During the awards ceremony, Itamunua Keimuine of Tura Magic walked away with the Top Goal Scorer award (N$20 000) thanks to his five goals; and Young African's Himeezembi Hengombe was voted Player of the Tournament (N$20 000).

Ngarizemo won the Coach of the Tournament (N$ 15 000) and another African representative on the podium, this time in goalie Mata Mbemutjiua, got the Golden Gloves Award (N$ 15 000).

Young African visit BA

December 4, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Young African visit BA NFA Debmarine Namibia Cup champions Young African FC will play former league champions Black Africa FC at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight at 20:00.

Fresh from their cup triumph, Marley Ngarizemo's boys will be hoping to continue where they left off on Saturday, hoping to upset the Elephants.

Black Africa will, however, be aware that Young African could be fatigued from Saturday's final, given that the match had to be decided in extra time.

In other action tomorrow, Orlando Pirates will host Unam FC at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20:00.

Thursday will see the clash of the title race leaders, African Stars and Tura Magic, at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20:00.

Civics will host strugglers Tigers at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday night at 20:00.



JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Cup gives Mannetti options

December 4, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Cup gives Mannetti optionsCoach impressed Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti says the spirit of the players in the Debmarine Cup final was epic. Senior national football team coach Ricardo Mannetti has praised Debmarine Namibia for the just-ended NFA Debmarine Namibia Cup.

Mannetti said the tournament gave him a variety of options.

The tournament ended at the weekend with Young African beating Mighty Gunners 3-2 in the final at the Legare Stadium in Gobabis.

The competition was first introduced at a time when the Namibia Premier League was at a standstill due to a lack of sponsorship.

Mannetti said he was impressed with the way some of the players performed during the tournament.

“I am definitely grateful to Debmarine Namibia and the Namibia Football Association (NFA) for hosting this tournament.

“As a national team coach, I have benefited from this tournament because some of the national team players were able to play during this tournament,” Mannetti said.

Mannetti recently called up Young African FC star Himeezembi Hengombe, who played for the champions during the tournament.

Hengombe was also selected as the player of the tournament after some charismatic performances for his local club.

Not having played for the junior national teams over the years, it was always going to be difficult for Hengombe to make the senior squad.

Thanks to the Debmarine tournament, Hengombe caught Mannetti's eye and has now been included in the national team.

“If you look at a player like Hengombe who never played for the under-20, but now is part of the national team because of this tournament, it speaks volume of what the competition has brought.

“I am also very happy with the way the final was played because the guys on the field gave it their all.

“The winning mentality in both teams was something remarkable and awesome to watch,” Mannetti said.

The coach hopes that Debmarine Namibia will continue fulfilling the dreams of many Namibians who are aspiring to become football stars.

The national team is currently preparing for the Africa Nations Championships to be played in Morocco.

“We have been training every Wednesday and Tuesday and I can confirm that things are going well.

“I will soon announce the first training squad before I announce the final team for CHAN later on,” the coach said.

The tournament, slated for January 2018, will see the 2015 Cosafa champions playing Zambia, Uganda and African powerhouse Ivory Coast in the group stages.

The fifth edition of the CHAN finals will be held in Morocco, with 16 teams competing for the grand prize of U$1.25 million (N$16.2 million).

All the teams that qualified to the tournament received N$2.2 million for their efforts.

Namibia qualified to the competition after beating Zimbabwe and the Comoros in the qualifying rounds.

Libya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea are in Group C and will play in Tangier, while in Agadir Group D will take centre stage with Angola, Cameroon, Congo and Burkina Faso.

The quarterfinals will be played on 27 and 28 January, while the semi-finals will be held on 31 January 2018.

The third-place match will be on 3 February and the grand finale is slated for 4 February 2018 at the Mohamed V Complex in Casablanca.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Debmarine Cup a success: Organisers

December 4, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Debmarine Cup a success: Organisers The organisers of the inaugural Debmarine Namibia Cup declared it a success following its conclusion at Gobabis on Saturday.

The competition started in February with elimination rounds of first-and second-division teams before the Round of 32, which included Namibia Premier League (NPL) clubs, started in April.

NPL newcomers Young African beat seasoned campaigners Mighty Gunners by three goals to two in the final at the Legare Stadium.

Speaking to Nampa, senior financial manager of Debmarine Namibia Willy Mertens said despite a setback at the beginning of the tournament when some NPL teams withdrew from the tournament, they were never in doubt about this year's competition being successful.

“Never did we even consider withdrawing our support. It was beyond our expectations; we will definitely be here next year.

This is what we had in mind,” he said.

Mertens was complimentary of the organisation, standard of football and the attendance by fans, adding that the crowds were well behaved.

He was also impressed with the women's final between Tura Magic and Namibian Police, who won, and hoped to witness more games of that nature.

NAMPA