Independence Stadium ‘left to fix itself’

As Namibia eagerly anticipates its partnership with Botswana to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2027, the country’s national soccer venue, Independence Stadium, remains in ruins.This despite a budget of N$50 million allocated last year towards renovations of the facility that has become only fit to host political events. The allocation was N$48 million less than the N$98 million required to restore the stadium to its original state.Football fanatics now fear that the state of the stadium could be a turn-off for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which is expected to announce the successful bid soon.Both Independence Stadium, which is owned by government through the sports ministry, and the City of Windhoek-owned Sam Nujoma Stadium have been declared unfit by international football governing bodies.As a result, the Namibian senior football teams play their matches in South Africa, robbing them of the proverbial 12th player – the home crowd.Waiting gameResponding to questions regarding Independence Stadium’s overdue makeover, the sports ministry said renovations have not begun as they are still waiting for a facilities audit report, an exercise which was carried out by a consultant company appointed as part of the 2027 Afcon bid preparations.“Once we get the report, we will be in a position to embark on the renovations/upgrades in line with the recommendations made by the consultant. We are informed that this report will be ready at or before the end of March,” executive director Mbumba Erastus Haitengela said.“This audit exercise not only inspected the Windhoek Independence Stadium, but also the Oshakati Independence Stadium and Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund in line with our Afcon 2027 bid preparations. We are required to have at least three stadiums which meet CAF requirements to host such a major football event.”FundingMeanwhile, Haitengela explained that the ministry cannot make use of the N$50 million allocated to the project from the previous financial year since renovations are set to begin in the new financial year.“We have made some budgetary provision in the new financial year for us to start the process of renovating Windhoek’s Independence Stadium without delay. The report will give us an appropriate estimate of how much we need going forward to complete the upgrade and renovations,” he said.He added that a provisional amount of N$37 million from the ministry’s N$473.2 million budget has been allocated to the project. “The provisional N$37 million will just help us start the process of renovating all three stadiums. Once the report comes, it will allow us to be certain of how much exactly is required and eventually clean all stadiums nationwide.”Dreaming vs doingBrave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin has underlined the importance of fixing the stadiums, saying the teams long to play in front of local crowds.“I think the renovation of the Independence Stadium is a dream. Dreaming and doing the work are two different things.“Let’s put the two together and make it happen. The only sign of this dream coming to fruition will be if the Brave Warriors play at home. Until then, we can only hope that something is actually happening in that space,” he said.

Independence Stadium ‘left to fix itself’

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-06

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Independence Stadium ‘left to fix itself’

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-06

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