MTC Maris Cup: N$1.5 million, winner takes all!
Football
Only one club will earn the richest prize yet by winning four matches in a row.
Windhoek General Administrators (WGA), a subsidiary of Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), made headlines yesterday by launching the MTC Maris Cup, a ground-breaking football tournament boasting the largest prize in Namibian history. The competition, exclusively featuring the 16 clubs from the upcoming Debmarine Premier League season, will see teams battle it out for a record-breaking N$1.5 million grand prize, making it the richest football tournament the country has ever seen.
The MTC Maris Cup is set to kick off on 25th January 2025 with the round of 16. Quarterfinals are scheduled for 1 and 2 February, followed by the semi-finals on 15 and 16 February, and the grand finale on 1st March 2025.
Tim Ekandjo, MTC’s chief human capital, corporate affairs, and marketing officer, expressed immense pride in the tournament, highlighting its potential to not only uplift Namibian football, but also to showcase MTC’s dedication to national sport development.
“With the MTC Maris Cup, we are teaching the value of victory, with a 'winner takes all' approach – no second or third place. It’s about creating winners and fostering a sense of ambition,” said Ekandjo.
The tournament also marks the debut of MTC’s mobile money service, MTC Maris, launched under WGA. Ekandjo elaborated that this initiative aims to build awareness around the MTC Maris service while engaging fans and players alike.
“The tournament will be knockout-based, and teams will be matched according to last season’s standings. The winner will walk away with the entire N$1.5 million, igniting an unmatched drive to win.”
To support all participating teams, each club will receive N$30 000 for preparations. Additional awards include N$20 000 each for the tournament’s Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament, while the team that best promotes the MTC Maris service will earn an extra N$30 000.
Six fans who create standout MTC Maris videos will each receive N$5 000, adding a fan-driven, creative dimension to the competition.
Spectators will be granted free entry to the matches, provided they register for MTC Maris via 140682#.
NFA applauds MTC
The Namibia Football Association president Robert Shimooshili extended his heartfelt gratitude to MTC, describing the sponsorship as a significant step in supporting Namibian football.
“We express our deepest gratitude to MTC for your unwavering commitment to the development of Namibian football. The MTC Maris Cup is a true testament to your belief in our players and your dedication to our sport,” said Shimooshili.
Isack Hamata, NFA director of marketing, commercial, communication and IT, shared his excitement, calling the announcement a momentous day for Namibian sport.
“Football is back, and people are happy – I am happy too. To see the league and a landmark cup launched simultaneously, with such remarkable prize money, is fantastic news for Namibian football.”
The MTC Maris Cup promises to bring fans and communities together, reigniting passion for local football and preparing players for greater challenges ahead.
From day one the tournament will immediately feature some of the league's top clubs in exciting match-ups.
Round of 16 Fixtures
African Stars vs Blue Boys
FC Ongos vs Cuca Tops
Khomas Nampol FC vs KK Palace
Unam FC vs Eeshoke Chula Chula
Mighty Gunners FC vs Tigers FC
Okahandja United FC vs Blue Waters FC
Young African FC vs Young Brazilians FC
Civics vs Julinho Sporting FC
The MTC Maris Cup is set to become an iconic event, shining a spotlight on the skill and dedication of Namibia’s football players and serving as a powerful reminder of the country’s growing footballing ambition.
Premier league date set
Meanwhile, the Debmarine Namibia Premier Football League will kick off on Friday, 29 November 2024, as officially announced by the NFA and Debmarine yesterday.
Debmarine Namibia will sponsor the NPFL’s 2024-2025 season with a sum of N$18 million.
“The NFA and Debmarine Namibia call upon all stadium owners, including government, municipalities and private entities to kindly avail and do everything possible by preparing and ensuring the readiness of their stadia where Debmarine Namibia Premiership matches are to be played,” the joint statement added.