Erasmus Shalihaxwe
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged the business community to provide long-term support to national sports teams for national sports teams instead of one-off donations.
She made the appeal on Saturday evening during a fundraising gala dinner for the Brave Warriors, the national football team.
“The support for national teams should not only be a one-off but a joint commitment to ensure Namibia excels on all platforms. The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), in particular, faces challenges that require consistent effort, unwavering dedication, and substantial resources, she stated.
The Brave Warriors are four matches away from a possible FIFA World Cup qualification.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the upcoming matches will test the team’s strength, character, and unity.
“I firmly believe that with close cooperation between the government, our private sector, the Namibia Football Association, and indeed, the entire Namibian public, this cherished dream can be realised. Let us be clear: these will not be easy matches. However, with our collective backing, they can overcome any challenge.”
During her address, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that sports development is one of the priority areas under the newly launched sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
She said the government recognises sport’s role in promoting youth empowerment, national unity, and economic growth.
“It is, however, a regrettable fact that for the past five years, Namibians have been starved of the opportunity to watch their beloved national team play on home soil, a direct consequence of inadequate stadium infrastructure,” she added.
She said this issue has robbed fans of experiencing international football locally.
However, NDP6 outlines a plan to fast-track the construction of proper stadiums across the country.
“This is not merely about laying bricks; it is about restoring national pride and providing our athletes with world-class facilities,” she said.
The government plans to build Confederation of African Football (CAF) category three stadiums in the Karas, Erongo, Oshana, Kavango East, and Khomas regions.
CAF category 2 stadiums will be built in all 14 regions. Each of the 121 constituencies will also get basic sports facilities.
“It is absolutely important that our national football team receives all the support they deserve. This is not solely because football is the biggest sports code in our country that commands the largest following and inspires countless young Namibians,” she said.
She added that participation in the FIFA World Cup is the highest measure of a country’s football ability.
“It is the pinnacle of achievement, and it is where Namibia’s Brave Warriors belong.”
