The third annual Harders Cup, slated for 30-31 March 2019 was officially launched in Luderitz on Friday.
The event also coincided with the unveiling of a brand new trophy for the winning team.
A statement availed to Nampa on Saturday by the organisers said the 2019 Harders Cup will take place at the Luderitz Soccer Stadium, where eight teams will compete for the grand prize of N.dollars 100 000.
It said seven teams are from the host town and an invitational team from neighbouring Aus, Aus United FC.
The seven teams comprise of Atlanta Bucs Football Club (FC), Youngsters FC, Rush Ups FC, Diamond City FC, Man United FC, Novanam FC, and Atlantic City FC.
This year’s event will be delivered at a total budget of N.dollar 1.3 million made possible by various sponsors, it added.
The winner, according to the statement, will walk away with N.dollars 100 000 while the runner-up will receive N.dollars 50 000 and third place N.dollars 20 000, while the Top Goal Scorer will walk away with a cool N.dollars 10 000.
Executive Chairperson and Founder of the event, Tim Ekandjo said in 2017, the event recorded a budget shortfall of over N.dollars 350 000, and in 2018 a deficit of N.dollars 290 000, read the statement.
He was quoted as saying: “I am happy to report that both shortfalls have been cleared by making alternative plans without having to ask sponsors for more money, and as of today all prize monies are up to date and we do not owe any team any money which is commendable. We are accountable to our sponsors and provide them with detailed post-mortem reports after every event detailing how every cent was spent.”
According to the statement, the Mayor of Luderitz, Hilaria Mukapuli who also spoke at the launch, commended the organisers for the entertainment and commercial value the event brings to the people of Luderitz and the||Kharas region, in general.
“This event has become one of the most exciting events on our social calendar and gives our young people an opportunity to showcase their talent,” she said.
A music bash will see Top Cherie, Lioness, Mr Green, KP Illest, Tate Buti, Oteya, Gazza, South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest and many more local artists performing.
It is sponsored by Standard Bank, Seaflower, Telecom Namibia, Tafel Lager, Debmarine, CSS Tactical Security, Profile Investments and John Endjala Investments.
The Namibia Sports Commission, Erongo Marine Enterprises, Coca Cola, Namcor, Naftal Trading, Metropolitan/Swabou, Namport and Luderitz Waterfront Development Company, also sponsored the event, the statement noted.
All eight teams have confirmed their attendance.