The last dance of Geingob Cup

The Hage Geingob Cup has provided many memorable matches and opportunities for football clubs over the years. The tournament, which was first launched in 2014, has seen big teams from neighboring South Africa showcase their talent in Namibia, while clashing with the local giants of Namibian football.

Many street vendors and charity organizations have benefited from the competition, which was formed to honor the late President Hage Geingob. The difference in this year’s tournament is that it will be without the presence of the man for whom it was created. A football lover and a patriot of the beautiful game, Hage Geingob succumbed to illness on 4 February 2024.

For this reason, the football teams competing in this weekend’s competition have vowed to give it their all in honor of the late Namibian head of state. The biggest match of the day will be between league champions African Stars and defending champions of the cup, Eshoke Chula Chula.

The last time the two teams met in the competition last year, the Independence Stadium was filled to the rafters, and the atmosphere was electric. The match lived up to expectations as Chula Chula beat African Stars 1-0 to win the competition. African Stars, however, are determined to close off the cup with a memorable victory against a team that gave them all kinds of problems last year.

“It was a good training week for the team, even though some of our players came back late from international duty. We are, however, ready for this one, and we want to make sure that Stars become the last champions of the competition, which will be phasing out. As a club, we would like to invite all the spectators to come in their numbers and fill up the stadium like they did last year,” Stars' team manager Lesley Kozonguizi said.

Chula Chula, on the other hand, are traveling all the way from the northern parts with the aim of defending their title and honoring the late president with a victory. The team has vowed to give African Stars another tough time as they gun for glory in front of an expected large crowd.

“This cup is important to us, and another victory against African Stars will surely be something remarkable. We know that African Stars will be out to take revenge on us, but Chula Chula are ready for whatever comes our way on Saturday. The fans of our team will come and do as they always do by creating a top atmosphere,” Chula Chula team manager Mikka Hamatundu said.

In a women’s match, FNB WSL title holders Ongos Ladies will compete against their nearest rivals, Girls & Goals. The winners of the men’s match will receive N$300,000, while the runners-up will take home N$150,000. In the women’s match, the winners will be awarded N$200,000, and the runners-up N$100,000.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Geingob family to support the establishment of the Dr. Hage Geingob Memorial Library. The day will kick off with an exhibition match between Omake Celebrities and Danger Point Celebrities, featuring an entertaining program of musical performances. Tickets are sold at N$30 on Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores nationwide.