The 2026 Nashua Junior Franchise Competition got underway this past weekend, with matches taking place at the HP Oval and the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground from 8–10 May.
The annual competition brings together some of the best young cricket talent in Namibia, providing a platform for the country’s future stars to compete at a high level across the U12, U14, and U19 age groups.
The opening weekend delivered exciting cricket, outstanding individual performances, close finishes, and impressive team displays.
U12 Age Groups
The U12 competition began with a thrilling encounter between the Naankuse Lions and AJM Badgers on 8 May. The Lions posted a strong total of 173/7 in their 20 overs before restricting the Badgers to 165/7 to secure an 8-run victory. Hanan Dangarembizi stole the show with a remarkable unbeaten 107 off 65 balls and was named Player of the Match. Edwin Ludick led the bowling performances for the weekend in the U12 division.
On 9 May, the Green Chargers produced a dominant display against the Naankuse Lions. After scoring 120/4, the Chargers bowled the Lions out for 68 in 13.5 overs to win by 52 runs. Armand Potgieter earned the Player of the Match award for his contribution.
After the first weekend, the Green Chargers and Naankuse Lions both sit on two points in the standings, with the Green Chargers currently leading the table.
U14 Age Groups
The U14 division showcased some exceptional cricket throughout the weekend.
The Stadio Warriors opened their campaign in emphatic fashion on 9 May, scoring 176/6 before defeating Grove Mall Elite by 81 runs. Stehan Kruger delivered an outstanding performance to earn the Player of the Match award, while Jacobus Esterhuizen impressed with the ball.
Later that day, Ashburton Alphas chased down Grove Mall Elite’s total of 142/5 with ease, reaching 144/1 to claim a commanding 9-wicket victory. Natie la Cock starred with a brilliant unbeaten 99 off 55 balls and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
The final U14 fixture of the weekend on 10 May produced another thrilling contest as Ashburton Alphas edged Stadio Warriors by just 3 runs. Ashburton Alphas posted 121/7 before bowling out the Warriors for 118 in 18.2 overs. Elvis Geelbooi’s superb spell of 4/19 earned him the Player of the Match award.
Ashburton Alphas ended the weekend unbeaten and currently top the U14 standings with four points.
U19 Age Groups
The U19 division delivered some of the most dramatic moments of the weekend.
The opening match between Ashburton Alphas and Grove Mall Elite on 8 May ended in a tie, with both teams finishing on 130. The match was decided by a Super Over, where Grove Mall Elite held their nerve to secure victory by 12 runs. Janko Engelbrecht impressed with a brilliant 62 off 38 balls and was named Player of the Match, while Aiden Feely led the bowling performances.
On 9 May, the Stadio Warriors got away with a convincing 44-run win over Ashburton Alphas. The Warriors posted 174/7 before restricting the Alphas to 130/9. Henre Opperman earned the Player of the Match award for his contribution.
The final U19 match of the weekend on 10 May was another nail-biting encounter as Grove Mall Elite defeated Stadio Warriors by one wicket in a dramatic chase. Chasing 139 for victory, Grove Mall Elite reached the target with just three balls remaining. Drikus Swart was a game changer in his innings and got 47 not out off 24 balls and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Grove Mall Elite currently lead the U19 standings after winning both of their matches.
Looking Ahead
With the first weekend complete, the Nashua Junior Franchise Competition has already showcased the depth of young cricket talent in Namibia. From centuries and match-winning spells to thrilling finishes, supporters were treated to an exciting opening round of action.
The competition continues over the coming weekend, with teams aiming to strengthen their positions on the league tables as the race for the 2026 Nashua Junior Franchise titles heats up.
Fixtures:
