WINDHOEK - The preliminary stages of Namibia's richest and much sought-after soccer silverware, the NFA Leo Cup gets underway this weekend.
Organizers have confirmed that the 2010 edition of the Cup currently held by Orlando Pirates will be sponsored to the tune of R3million where the eventual winners will walk away with half a million Rands.
Orlando Pirates got R400 000 for beating Eleven Arrows in last year's finals.
This year's runner-up of the year will receive 250 000 with the two losing semi-finalists receiving 100 000 each.
"The total sponsors amount of 2010 equates to about N$3million to cover the team's playing gear, prize give aways, stadium branding, administration, broadcasting, the final match event as well as promotion and advertising," Leo's Chief Commercial Officer Chris Keeping.
The tournament kicks off in the regions with the elimination rounds of the First and Second Divisions, where the winners advancing to the 'Competition Proper' joining premier League clubs on the weekends of February 21 and 28 across the country.
"It's going to be a great weekend of football as vie for places in the second round of the competition and we for fair play and let the game of football be the winner at the end of the day" LEO NFA Cup Organizing Committee chairperson Roger Kambatuku said.
The Southern Stream First Division matches will be in Windhoek, and the Northern Stream at the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo.
Meanwhile the regions for the second division games will be played in the following stadiums: Omusati- Unam Ogongo and Omuulukila Sports Fields; Oshikoto- Nehale Stadium; Hardap- Mariental Showground; Otjozondjupa- Grootfontein Omulunga Stadium; Kunene-Outjo's Etoshapoort Stadium; Kavango- Rundu sports Complex; Karas-Luderitz and keetmanshoop; Erongo- Swakopmund Sports Stadium; Caprivi- Katima Sports Complex and Ohangwena-Ohanwena Soccer Stadium.
