The Confederation of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) is delighted to announce that Air Namibia have signed a partnership agreement for the 2016 COSAFA Castle Cup to be staged in Namibia from June 11-25.

Air Namibia will be the official carrier for the tournament that sees 13 other nations descend on the country for a two-week festival of football that promises not only great entertainment, but also the chance to develop football in the Southern African region.

The national carrier, which is 100 percent owned by the Namibian government, flies to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola, and has daily flights out of regional hub Johannesburg.

“We are thrilled to partner with Air Namibia for the 2016 COSAFA Castle Cup and welcome them on board for what is sure to be a fantastic festival of football. Like COSAFA, Air Namibia strive for excellence and we are certain that the players, coaches, match officials, visiting media and fans will arrive in Windhoek safely and in comfort for what will be a hugely enjoyable stay in Namibia,” says Mr Suketu Patel, President of COSAFA.

Air Namibia Corporate Communications Head, Paul Nakawa, says the airline is delighted to have partnered with the COSAFA Castle Cup that is aligned with their firm belief that sport can be a catalyst for social change.

“Air Namibia is proud and delighted to partner with the prestigious COSAFA Castle Cup tournament. Propelled by the conviction that sport has the power to change the world and inspire, Air Namibia prides itself on this partnership,” Nakawa says.

“The COSAFA Castle Cup tournament is an international football competition that brings Southern African countries together, attracts regional and international spectators and media alike.

“Therefore, this event will have a positive impact on promoting Namibia as a preferred tourist destination. Similarly, this tournament will market Namibia to the world, as a beacon of peace and harmony.”

Nakawa says he hopes that other Namibian corporations will see the value in the development of sport for communities.

“Let’s re-dedicate ourselves to building this country through sport in the spirit of HARAMBEE. In the same vein, Air Namibia implores corporate organisations to support sporting activities,” he says.

“Sport is an effective weapon we can use to reduce unemployment and all other social evils especially among the youth and for that together will build better societies. Sport is a tool for greater good!”

Nakawa says Namibia’s victory at the 2015 COSAFA Castle Cup in South Africa showed what was possible for the nation.

“The historic win at the 2015 COSAFA Castle Cup by the Brave Warriors and playing host to this splendid tournament are great achievements that all of us should be proud of.

“Such achievements manifest that our sport industry is indeed growing. We therefore call on Namibians from all walks of life to come in big numbers, fill up stadia and support the Brave Warriors. We wish our boys the best of luck!”

The COSAFA Castle Cup was first played in 1997 and welcomes the Democratic Republic of Congo as a guest nation for the 2016 installment.

Zambia and Zimbabwe each have four titles, while Angola and South Africa are three-time winners. Namibia’s victory in 2015 was their first.