The sport industry was mentioned several times during the State of the Nation Address by President Dr Hage Geingob in the National Assembly on Thursday.

In his address, the President noted how far sports development in the country had come in terms of the upliftment of those in sport.

For progress to be continuous, the President requested that a supportive infrastructure, administration and services be maintained. This, he said, would  provide a conducive environment for young sporting stars to reach greater heights.

“We are cognizant of the fact that the state of our sports and recreation facilities and the governance of some of our Sporting Codes are not at the expected level. Thus, the Ministry of Sport, Youth & National Service has commissioned a "Facility Audit" to renovate and upgrade the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, and the Sports stadiums in Swakopmund and Oshakati. This is done in anticipation of Namibia winning the Bid to co-host the 2027 African Cup of Nations, alongside Botswana” the head of state said.

On the issue of the national teams playing their matches outside the country in neigbouring South Africa, including the Brave Warriors, the President explained that this has to end as soon as possible

The President said “We also do this with a sense of duty, to ensure that players representing our national football team, the Brave Warriors, are able to train and play on home ground.

The current situation where our national team must always travel elsewhere to practice and play their matches because of sub-standard facilities, is regrettable and will be rectified without delay”.

Playing outside the country has dearly cost the Brave Warriors vital victories as well the opportunity to be watched at home by their sea of fans.

 

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Kavii Vezemburuka