Photo Credit: Cricket Namibia
Cricket Namibia recently held a capping and send-off ceremony for the Walvis Bay Salt Eagles who will be participating in the u19 Regional World Cup qualifiers in Tanzania at the end of this month.
The event was attended by the naming sponsor for the U19 Men’s Cricket team, Walvis Bay Salt.
Walvis Bay Salt is a long-standing cricket partner and one of Africa’s largest solar sea salt producers. They have stepped up to support the development of cricket in Namibia.
The company has been instrumental in promoting the sport over the past decade, particularly through their involvement in the renowned Youth Week in Walvis Bay, known as Salt Week.
Cricket Namibia is grateful for the support and sponsorship provided by Walvis Bay Salt.
Walvis Bay Salt Managing Director, Andre Snyman says, “Not only is mineral beneficiation one of our key focus areas, but we are honoured to be involved in the development of young local talent. Walvis Bay Salt’s commitment as ‘namesponsor’ of the Namibian u/19 team over the next 2 years is fully aligned with our business strategy to become a fully integrated international salt exporting company.”
The event was also attended by the players’ parents, making it a memorable and emotional occasion.
The team is eager to showcase their talent and skills on the international stage, representing their country with pride and determination.
The president of the Cricket Namibia board, Dr Rudie van Vuuren congratulated the team for making it to the qualifiers and emphasised what a special team they are.
“The energy and the commitment you have shown in your team is something very rare. It gives a team that X-factor. You guys have that X-factor. There is incredible talent amongst you, there is incredible leadership amongst you,”
He also noted that after the failure of the previous u19 team to make the World Cup, Cricket Namibia identified areas of improvement that would lead to success.
One of those areas included the need of a full-time high-performance coach. That position has since been filled by Oscar Nauhaus, who also took up the u19 coaching position.
The Walvis Bay Salt Eagles, under the leadership of their coach, embarked on their journey to South Africa for warm-up games before heading to Tanzania for the qualifiers from the 21-31 July.
