Namibian telecommunications company MTC has provided a double boost to sport in the country, backing both cricket and golf to the tune of more than US$1.5 million.

The Namibia Professional Golfers Association will receive US$195,000 per year for the next three years, while Cricket Namibia will be paid US$975,000 over the same period after MTC renewed its sponsorship.

"It was an absolute joy to work with Cricket Namibia," said Albertus Aochamub, MTC's general manager for corporate communication. "It is one code that has not given us any problem over the years. We are certainly impressed by their hard work and the results that they have produced on the field."

Cricket Namibia president Francois Erasmus added: "Not only has this lifted the standard and profile of the game in Namibia through ever increasing number of players participating in cricket throughout the country. Club cricket has been a major benefactor and proof of this is that there will be four additional teams playing the national cricket leagues during 2009/2010."