Staff Reporter
Aqualis, a locally owned small and medium-sized enterprise specialising in gemstone mining, is expanding its support for youth development through sports sponsorships and community initiatives.
The company supports communities in Usakos, Spitzkoppe, Omaruru and Karibib, as well as coastal towns including Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Henties Bay.
Aqualis was among the main sponsors of the Orano and Engen 1Stop Usakos Sports and Entertainment Festival in 2023.
It also owns a football team that recently secured promotion to the Regional Second Division after winning the Erongo Third Division Inland Stream.
Most of the players are from rural and remote communities in and around Usakos.
The company is now the sole sponsor of the inaugural Onana Memorial Cup, scheduled for 3 and 4 October in Usakos.
A total of 31 teams have expressed interest in participating in the tournament, which has attracted teams from Windhoek, Kalkveld, Swakopmund, Okombahe, Spitzkoppe, Otjiwarongo, Omatjete and Karibib, alongside teams from the host town.
Matches are expected to be played at three soccer fields across Usakos, with the final scheduled for Sunday at Hakhaseb Soccer Field.
The winning team will receive N$20,000, 20 gold medals, 11 pairs of soccer boots and a floating trophy.
The runners-up will take home N$10,000, 20 silver medals and 11 pairs of soccer boots.
The third-placed team will receive N$7,000, while the fourth-placed team will receive N$3,000.
Individual awards will also be presented, with the tournament’s top goalscorer, best defender and best goalkeeper each receiving N$500.
In addition, 22 brand-new Umbro soccer boots will be awarded to players from the two teams contesting the final.
Team registration is set at N$1,800.
Through its investment in football, Aqualis continues to support opportunities for young people to participate in sport and develop their talents, particularly those from rural communities.
