Ballotti calls on more corporates to invest in sport
Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, art and culture Dino Ballotti has called on the private sector to double its efforts in supporting sport and youth development in Namibia.
Speaking at the launch of the fourth edition of the Bank Windhoek u21 Soccer Tournament at Ramblers Sport Club on Wednesday evening, Ballotti thanked Bank Windhoek for it’s sponsorship of the tournament, but called for more companies to come on board.
“I’m so privileged to be standing here to talk about this tournament – it does not only celebrate sporting talent, but I truly believe that there’s a shared vision with the ministry for youth empowerment. This is a platform that empowers young people and for that we say thank you to Bank Windhoek,” he said.
“But now that I’m a politician I’d like to challenge our private sector to do more, so that in 2026 I can stand here and say that we are now taking it to all 14 regions of Namibia… We want the private sector to step forward and to emulate and to collaborate. We should never squeeze the one, or two, or three corporates that are supporting us too much, so I think the call to action is for more corporates, I’m not even going to mention names. I mean, we all buy food at different shops, isn’t it, and I’ve never seen those shops host football tournaments,” he said.
“Youth development is a collective responsibility, it is not the mandate of the ministry alone. Let us work together to create more opportunities like this, not only in the Khomas region, but across all disciplines and all sport codes. Things start and they grow and they manifest and evolve organically, and as we grow, it will grow into something beautiful with many stakeholders on board,” he added.
Ballotti called on the players to remain humble and to use the opportunities to the best of their abilities.
“There’s a message I want to emphasise, and that’s remaining humble in both defeat and victory. It’s very important for young people to be extremely competitive but have humility, I think those are the life qualities we want to emphasise for our young athletes,” he said.
“Also know that scouts are watching. I’m almost certain that every premiership team will be eagerly watching the matches, even coaches, perhaps from other countries, and hopefully we can also have international teams partaking in this tournament in future,” he added.
Harald Hecht, the president of Ramblers Sport Club which is organising the tournament said this year’s tournament will be held in Windhoek, as well as Keetmanshoop for the first time.
“It has become evident that the tournament has grown in popularity and cemented it’s place on the local football calendar. The exposure that these youngsters gain, and the opportunity for talent scouting by premier league teams in particular, allows for the establishment of possible collaboration between soccer academies and premier league teams.
“After consultations between Ramblers Club and the Bank Windhoek as the sponsor, this year will see the tournament being held in Keetmanshoop, in addition to a tournament in Windhoek. I take this opportunity to say thank you to the Namibia Football Association, the Southern Stream First Division, the Kharas regional soccer association and the Keetmanshoop municipality for the support in making this year’s tournament a success,” he said.
The Windhoek tournament will be held at Ramblers Stadium from 18 to 21 June and will see six teams in action, namely Ramblers, Julinho Athletic, Swallows, Kasaona, SKW and Riverheights.
The tournament in Keetmanshoop takes place from 27 to 29 June and will also see six teams in action, namely Westside Football Academy from Karasburg, Aroab Football Academy, KFA from Rsh Pinah, Mariental Sport Club, Koes Academy and Franz Beckenbauer Academy from Keetmanshoop.
“The modalities of the tournament will be shared with the competing teams and this year will have cash prize monies introduced instead of equipment, while each participating team will receive a playing kit as well,” Hecht said.
The chairman of Ramblers, Sedrick von Turah, said that Bank Windhoek’s sponsorship amounts to N$300 000 which will be equally shared between the two regions and will go towards administration, referees, medics, administration, accommodation and prize money.
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