In a renewed effort to restore national pride and bring international football matches back to Namibian soil, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture is considering upgrading the Hage Geingob Stadium to meet CAF and FIFA Category 3 requirements.
Deputy Minister Hon. Dino Ballotti revealed that this upgrade is currently seen as the fastest and most practical solution compared to the alternative of renovating the Sam Nujoma and Independence Stadiums in Windhoek.
In 2021, Namibia-alongside several other African nations-faced a stadium ban by CAF due to facilities failing to meet international standards.
This ban meant no competitive matches could be hosted on home soil, forcing Namibia's national teams to play their "home" games in other countries.
Now, under the new administration led by President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, sport infrastructure development has been elevated to a top priority on the government's agenda.
During an exclusive appearance on our Thursday night live football magazine show, Soccer Pitch, Deputy Minister Ballotti reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving sports facilities.
He emphasized that a key mandate of the ministry is to ensure that national teams can once again compete at home in front of local supporters.
To meet CAF Category 3 stadium standards, the Hage Geingob Stadium will require key upgrades, including: floodlighting for evening matches as well as quality TV coverage, team dressing rooms that meet international specifications, first aid and treatment facilities for players and officials,spectator seating and infrastructure with a minimum capacity of 3,000 fixed individual seats, and a doping control room as per CAF and FIFA regulations, among others.
While no official timeline has been confirmed, Ballotti assured the public that the ministry is actively working on solutions to bring high-level football back to Namibia.
Additionally, the Vineta Sport Stadium in Swakopmund has also been earmarked for upgrades, signaling the government's broader commitment to improving football infrastructure across the country.