The opening weekend of the 2025 Nashua Junior Franchise League delivered an exciting display of competitive cricket, showcasing the best of Namibia’s youth talent. Recognized as one of the premier youth cricket competitions in the country, this league provides a platform for young players to shine on a big stage.
This year, the tournament expanded to include an Under-12 age group, adding three U12 teams to the existing three U14 and three U19 teams. The teams are proudly supported by corporate sponsors, with returning franchises including Grove Mall, Ashburton Investments, STADIO Higher Education, and Naankuse, joined by new entrant Green Enterprise Solutions.
Game Day 1 – Friday, 9 May 2025
U12: Ashburton Eagles vs Grove Mall Wildcats – High Performance Oval
The U12 tournament began with Ashburton Eagles facing the Grove Mall Wildcats. The Wildcats elected to bat first and scored 71/6 in 20 overs. The Eagles chased down the target swiftly, reaching 72/1 in just 10 overs to win by 9 wickets. Dian Holland-Muter impressed with an unbeaten 34 off 25 balls, earning him Player of the Match, the Big Boundary Award, and Leading Run Scorer. Elvis Geelbooi took the Leading Wicket Taker cap with an excellent economy of 1.3, and Rilano Julie was named Outstanding Fielder.
U19: Green Eagles vs Grove Mall Wildcats – FNB Namibia Cricket Ground
The Green Eagles posted 90/6 in their 20 overs, but the Grove Mall Wildcats chased the target, finishing on 92/4 in 16 overs to win by 6 wickets. Markus van Heerden was Player of the Match with a spell of 2/18, also claiming the Leading Wicket Taker cap. Tiaan van der Merwe contributed a solid 36* (31), becoming the Leading Run Scorer. Junior Taanyanda earned the Big Boundary Award, and Lucas Kruger was named Outstanding Fielder.
Game Day 2 – Saturday, 10 May 2025
U19: Naankuse Jets vs Green Eagles – NCG
Naankuse Jets made their 2025 tournament debut against the Green Eagles. After being sent in to bat, the Eagles scored 114/6, thanks to Henre Opperman’s 40 (34). In response, Jets captain Michael Muller played a commanding innings of 50* (40), leading his team to a 5-wicket win. Abri Oberholzer was named Player of the Match and Leading Wicket Taker with 2/12 in 4 overs. Muller also took the Big Boundary Award, while Aloyz Kazimbu was Outstanding Fielder.
U14: Grove Mall Wildcats vs STADIO Jets – HP Oval
The Wildcats batted first and put up 131/7, led by Alex Parker’s 42 (37). Their bowling unit then restricted the Jets to 71 all out in 13.2 overs, securing a 60-run win. Parker swept the awards: Player of the Match, Leading Run Scorer, and Big Boundary. Nico Roos was named Outstanding Fielder, and Hendre van Niekerk claimed 3/11 to become Leading Wicket Taker.
U14: Grove Mall Wildcats vs Ashburton Eagles – NCG
In their second game of the day, the Wildcats continued their form with a total of 141/3. The Eagles were bowled out for 86 in 17.3 overs, giving the Wildcats a 55-run win. Gillmer Horn delivered a stunning 81* (65) to earn Player of the Match and the U14 Leading Run Scorer cap. Coetzee Sales claimed the Big Boundary Award, while Tapiwa Kaisi was named Outstanding Fielder.
U12: Ashburton Eagles vs Green Jets – HP Oval
The Green Jets, in their first match, posted an impressive 151/5. Despite a strong chase led by Phillip Nel (47 off 38), the Eagles fell short, ending on 136/7. The Jets won by 15 runs. Ethan Pearce was Player of the Match with 2/18 and 17 dot balls in 4 overs. Phillip Nel received the Big Boundary Award, and Elvis Geelbooi was Outstanding Fielder for his sharp direct hit.
Game Day 3 – Sunday, 11 May 2025
U14: STADIO Jets vs Ashburton Eagles – HP Oval
STADIO Jets batted first and scored 112/3, thanks to JW Junius’ 31 (29). The Eagles responded with a thrilling chase, winning with two balls to spare at 114/5. Riego Julie top-scored with 36 (47). Junius was Player of the Match, Francois Siepker claimed the Outstanding Fielder Award, and Coetzee Sales earned the Big Boundary Award.
U19: Naankuse Jets vs Grove Mall Wildcats – NCG
The Jets posted the highest total of the weekend at 158/4. Adriaan Coetzee starred with a 55 (44) and a wicket, earning the Player of the Match award. Despite solid efforts from Lintvelt and Van der Merwe, the Wildcats fell 13 runs short. JP Blignaut took the Leading Wicket Taker cap (4 wickets), Tiaan van der Merwe retained his position as Leading Run Scorer (102 runs), and Ben Brassel collected both the Big Boundary and Outstanding Fielder awards.
The first weekend of the Nashua Junior Franchise League highlighted the depth of talent in Namibian youth cricket. From blistering batting performances to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, the young stars of the future are already making a mark. With many more matches to come, the competition promises to get even more exciting.
Who is leading on the board?
| U12 Leading Run Scorer | Dian Holland-Muter |
| U12 Leading Wicket Taker | Ethan Pearce |
| U14 Leading Run Scorer | Gillmer Horn |
| U14 Leading Wicket Taker | Hendre van Niekerk |
| U19 Leading Run Scorer | Tiaan van der Merwe |
| U19 Leading Wicket Taker | JP Blignaut |
Points Table
| U12 Teams | Matches | Won | Lost | Points |
| Ashburton Eagles | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Green Jets | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Grove Mall Wildcats | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| U14 Teams | Matches | Won | Lost | Points |
| Grove Mall Wildcats | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Ashburton Eagles | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| STADIO Jets | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| U19 Teams | Matches | Won | Lost | Points |
| Naankuse Jets | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Grove Mall Wildcats | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Green Eagles | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
U12 Fixtures
U14 Fixtures
U19 Fixtures
