South Africa dominates the Over 50’s Africa Cup Tournament

27 November 2024 South Africa’s Proteas Over 50’s cricket team were crowned winners of the 2024 Over 50’s Africa Cup held in Windhoek between 17-20 November.

The tournament, which was sponsored by Nedbank Namibia to the tune of N$100 000, took place at three venues, namely the High-Performance Oval (HP Oval, formerly known as Doc Jubber), Wanderers, and United Cricket Grounds.

Three countries participated, namely hosts Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

South Africa won all their three matches to finish top of the log, beating Zimbabwe by 101 runs in the first match, followed by a 305-run victory over Namibia before finishing the tournament with a hard-fought 28-run victory to set up an enticing final match against South Africa Proteas.

At the end of the tournament, South African, Wiaan Smit was named batter of the tournament, with Darshan Vaghmaria of Zimbabwe scooping the bowler of the tournament award.

Smit also scoped the Player of the Tournament award.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Hon. Dr. Emma Kantema-Goamas said she was happy to see the over-50 players being active, as they are not only keeping themselves healthy, but they are also inspiring the younger generation.

“You are aware that playing sports at your age helps us stay healthy. Living an active lifestyle like this helps you avoid lifestyle diseases and helps deal with mental health issues. We as a ministry are using sports as a tool to promote social cohesion,” she said.

Kantema-Goamas paid tribute to Nedbank Namibia and other sponsors for supporting the over-50’s tournament, saying government alone cannot support all sporting activities.

She added that she was proud of Cricket Namibia for being one of the codes that has professionalised the sport, something the ministry wants all sports codes to follow.

“We have a plan as a ministry to professionalise sports in Namibia. We have started to pilot with rugby, netball, and football. Rugby is halfway through there. Let’s encourage the young ones to take up sports professionally,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nedbank Namibia's Executive Head for Marketing and Communications, Gernot de Klerk, congratulated Cricket Namibia, saying more companies must invest into Namibian sports because the world is showing interest in Namibia.

“We have the world flocking to our shores as there is international interest in our country. We need to do it for Namibia, and this is what Cricket Namibia has achieved; hence, it is our pleasure to be associated with them,” he said.

De Klerk added that Nedbank Group is involved in many sporting activities across southern Africa, namely golf, cycling, rugby, and football, to mention a few.

“We get to host some of the best tournaments around southern Africa, like the Nedbank Desert Dash, and Africa’s number one golf tournament in Sun City, South Africa – The Nedbank Golf Challenge. It is an honour for us to be able to contribute to these experiences,” he concluded.