Inaugural HopHydro Cup awaits guests from Germany and RSA

Football
Brian Munango
  • 3 Weeks Ago 28 November 2024
Namibia is set to host the HopHydro Cup, described as “the first and biggest international under-18 junior football tournament in Namibia,” from 17 to 19 January 2025 in Windhoek.

The tournament is a joint effort by the Collin Benjamin Soccer Academy (CBS) and HopHydro, a Namibian-German company operating in the green hydrogen industry.

Teams from Namibia, South Africa and Germany set to compete in an event that promises a thrilling display of young talent.

The Collin Benjamin Soccer Academy, fresh from their victory in the MTC HopSol Youth Soccer League under-18 division, will represent Namibia. Joining them are South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Germany’s second-tier side FC Nürnberg, bringing international flair to the event.



A platform for growth

Isaack Hamata, secretary-general of the Namibia Football Association (NFA), highlighted the tournament’s importance for youth development in Namibian football.

“During Namibia's early years of independence, our youth and junior teams gained invaluable experience by participating in prestigious European competitions like the Gothia Cup and the Helsinki Cup. Such exposure played a significant role in the success of our national teams at both youth and senior levels,” he said.

“The HopHydro Cup mirrors this approach, inviting top clubs to compete against Namibian teams. This tournament offers a unique opportunity for our footballing landscape to grow and learn from more experienced clubs.

“By identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategic changes, we can elevate the standard of Namibian football.”



Future prospects

Hamata stressed the need to make the HopHydro Cup an annual event, underlining its potential to transform the nation’s footballing future.

“It is imperative that the HopHydro Cup becomes an annual event. By doing so, we can consistently expose our young players to high-quality competition, fostering their development and inspiring future generations of footballers.

“Additionally, encouraging greater participation from Namibian youth clubs will further strengthen our domestic football scene," he added.

With its blend of local and international participation, the HopHydro Cup aims to be more than just a tournament, but also a stepping stone towards advancing Namibian football on the global stage.

Fans can expect a festival of youth talent and a glimpse into the bright future of Namibian football.