Nashua on board for junior franchise series
Cricket
The series starts on Friday 26 April, with matches played at United and the HP Oval (formerly known as Doc Jubber field).
Cricket Namibia is excited to announce its partnership with Nashua Namibia as the tournament sponsor for the U14 and U19 Junior Franchise series.This partnership marks a significant milestone as it introduces the first-ever junior franchise competition aimed at nurturing young talent in Namibian cricket.
The Nashua Junior Franchise series offers an exciting opportunity for young cricketers to play matches, especially during a period of the year when the sport is not typically played.
The tournament provides a platform to showcase their skills, with the best U14s and U19 cricketers in Namibia set to participate.
One of the key objectives of the franchise series is to serve as a crucial component of Cricket Namibia's scouting process, identifying players for the high-performance program. By introducing this new level of competition, Cricket Namibia aims to enhance its pool of talented players, ultimately strengthening the pipeline to the national men's team.
Nashua Namibia’s Michelle Sansom said: “As Nashua Namibia, we are not merely putting our logo on the cricket playing shirts; we are becoming part of people’s passions. By supporting youth sports, we invest in what matters most to our fellow citizens.
“Our involvement extends beyond financial support. We believe in nurturing talent, and at the draft evening, that is where the stars were born. By sponsoring the Junior Franchise tournament, we are contributing to shaping the future of Namibian cricket.”
She pointed out that cricket is not just a game, it’s a commercial powerhouse. “Our sponsorship creates opportunities for players, coaches, and everyone involved. It’s a win-win – a boost for the sport and our brand.”
Cricket Namibia CEO, Johan Muller, said: “Thank you to Nashua Namibia for your involvement as the tournament sponsor. We are also thanking the team owners for your massive contribution to the game. You are giving the youth of this country a massive opportunity to develop their talent.”
The player draft was held on Thursday at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, where 137 players were drafted into six teams (three U14 and three U19 teams). The team owners are Grove Mall, STADIO Higher Education, Ashburton Investments and KFC.
The three U14 franchise teams are the KFC Wildcats, Stadio Jets and Ashburton Eagles.
The three U19 franchise teams are the KFC Wildcats, the Jets and the Grove Mall Eagles.
The series starts on Friday 26 April, leading up to the U14 and U19 finals and bronze finals on Saturday 25 May. Matches will by played at United’s Gemsbokpark as well as the HP Oval (formerly known as Doc Jubber field).